House of Beating Wings (The Kingdom of Crows, #1)

by Olivia Wildenstein

the land of the pure-blooded Fae and the land of the half-blooded ones.

a warm, jeweled-turquoise in Tarecuori and a chilly, muddy-sapphire in Tarelexo.

I was born on the wrong side of the canal, the dark side, the home of the half-bloods or halflings...

I’ve begged Nonna to transfer me to the school on Tarelexo, but she says it’s a great privilege to attend the same school as the royal family.

Giana explained that imperfections lessened the value of things.

“Tell me, dolcca, does the pretty one taste sweeter than the damaged one?”

You forget that you’re one of them, Fallon. One of my precious Crows. I’m only precious because I’m your tool, Lorcan Reebyaw. And that is exactly what I am. A tool. A pawn. A thing to be used and discarded by these men.

No, because I’m still holding out hope that you’re a decent man who doesn’t leer at women while they bathe. He sounds taken aback. I don’t leer. My hand slips to my hip. Oh, really? You’re my curse-breaker, he says with a hint of exasperation, as though I’m being childish. I watch over you.

“Have no fear. I’m not planning on getting into bed with a Crow.”

“Your family and friends will be brought up shortly. Shall I show you around your new home, Behach Éan?”