Across an Endless Sea (The Fifth Nicnevin, #2)

by Marie Mistry

He can act like this is some great victory, but we both know the truth. He chased down an unarmed, exhausted female with no control over her own magic. That’s nothing to gloat about.

Danu said that the only way for us to win this was by swaying him to our side, so I plan to treat him like the others. And that includes standing up for him like I would them. Claiming him—even if I’m not yet sure where we stand. Surely any sane person would choose to be loyal to the person defending them over the one who wants them whipped?

I was doing so well at pretending to be strong, right up until the moment that I cowered.

I stare at the horizon, wishing it was stabbable.

“I had no idea,” the dryad responds, and I have the oddest feeling she’s being sarcastic. “Now,

“You’re giving me dogma, not history, Caed. History has dates, facts, verifiable evidence.”

First, the Fomorians have been attacking the fae out of desperation. Second, that Caed is half fae and deeply ashamed of it. And third, that he knew a little too much about the Deep Caves for it to be a coincidence.

Unfortunately, it appears he left his nonchalance in Elatha’s throne room, because the Fomorian’s cold mask cracks, then splinters, his expression consumed with anguish.

As far as the bond is concerned, the Guard is one homogeneous being—a rope of many strands. Trying to create an incomplete mating bond might even be harmful to Rose.”

“I will never let them take you again,” he murmurs. “I’ll protect you—and your wings—until my dying breath, and I swear to the Goddess, I will not fail you.”

I don’t care how selfish you were when you chose me, or how unworthy you think you are. I want you.”

“When we get there, pretty pet, you’re going to love it. I swear on my highly dubious honour.”

Like this, it’s easy to see the queen she’s going to be: One so devoted, determined, and stubborn that only a fool would stand in her way.

Rose—who doesn’t make threats—actually demanded Prae’s life if I refused, but I’ve left that part out. From what I can tell, my cousin actually likes the Nicnevin, and she’ll only like her more if she knows that Rose has a spine under all that fear.

And if a single burning tear escapes the corner of my eye and drops soundlessly onto the soft carpet and no one sees it, did it ever really fall at all?

“Go back to sleep, huntress.”