A Sword from the Embers (An Heir Comes to Rise, #5)

by Chloe C. Peñaranda

“You’re right here,” he said at last, his voice just as hushed. “You’re alive. I’m right here with you, Faythe.” With him. With her mate.

“How long have you known?” A pain nagged her from within. His, hers—she didn’t suppose it mattered. But the moment his lips parted to respond, she echoed the same words with him. “Since the day I met you.”

Your eyes, Faythe. Then, now, perhaps long before, something awakens in me every time. They have become my sun, and should darkness fall for good then so will I.”

“Just know, before you decide what you want, I choose you, Faythe Ashfyre. With or without a bond. As human and fae. I choose you in every life. Your promise to me was that you would always come back to me. And you did.

“Out of fear of the very wrong reason—which has already crossed your mind—why I’m standing by you. I don’t choose you because of some answering bonded power. I choose you because I love every damn reckless, brave, impossible part of you.”

“You weren’t born to remain hidden.” Reylan watched her with an air of awe. “You were born to rise. Made to defy. To carry the dreams of those who can’t fight for them.”

“Promise me this will never change. That no matter what happens in the war to come, you’ll remember that I see you and I hear you. And that I love you, Reylan Arrowood. In every lifetime, I will love you.” Reylan’s eyes closed and didn’t open again as he leaned forward to press his lips to her chest. Then he locked eyes with her to make his promise. “Before bond, title, or name, despite anything that could try to part us, I love you with everything I am, Faythe Ashfyre.” His lips grazed hers. “Until the end of days.”

Come the return of the lost first son, The end will fall at last. For only if the heirs unite, Can they right the wrong of the past.

“Keep saying my name,” she said, extending the ability she knew, feeling the pulse of minds beckoning to be seized. “And remember I am the Phoenix you created.”

“You are my heart, Faythe. That doesn’t change, no matter what. Tell me you’ll remember that.”

“There will come a time to choose sides. You’ll either be a part of what I am or feel the force of what I will become.”

“It’s not your concern—” “You are,” she snapped.

“You’re not a dream, Zai,” he said, his expression falling, just for a second. “You’re my beautiful nightmare.”

Your belief in me, your dedication to this kingdom…you’re everything our people deserve. I choose you, Reylan Arrowood. This kingdom chooses you.”