The Divine and the Cursed (Fae of Alastríona, #1)

by J.E. Reed

He studied her for several breaths, scenting the array of emotions floating from her scent. His magic danced across her skin, teasing. Taunting. “You? You think you could be the one to love the monster?” She flexed her fingertips, scarcely able to bear remaining still with him so close. “You’re not a monster.” A disbelieving smile. “Then what would you call me?” He leaned closer as if some invisible force were drawing him in. Her body went rigid when she felt the heat radiating from him, beckoning her closer. “Lonely,” she whispered.

Rion’s lips were over hers a second later. He tasted of salt and pain, but she devoured it all. And in that moment, Arianna made a vow. She swore she’d never let Rion feel alone again. Not so long as she lived. Because he was hers to protect now and she was his.

“You’re not real.” Her brow creased. “You’re an ethereal dream come to torment me, granting every wish only to strip them away when I’m content. You’re the beautiful wave before it crashes over the shore, dragging everything out to an icy sea.” His voice lowered. “You’re my salvation and my damnation.”