ound faded, but the memory of it stuck-like the last beat of a heart too stubborn to quit. What was left? Charred grass, a chemical ghost

comforting. His other hand drifted up, thumb brushing her jaw, gentle but in that way that felt more like a claim than a caress. His eyes-those ridiculous molten gold eyes-were locked on hers, and hones

ravel and thunder, something ancient and wild trembling

had about as much effect as trying to topple a mountain with a feather duster.

l growled, dragging her closer like gravity itself had opinions. "

that wasn't a kiss. No, it was

t keep a little moan from escaping her lips. Shameful, electric, alive. His scent-earth after rain,

. No drama. Hands off, cold air hitting her skin where his t

a," he said, voice curling around her like smoke, "or you can come to me, when the memories break loose. When you

erself, but the memory-her hands tangled in blood-soaked robes, old words spilling out,

o speak. No

d into the shadows. Didn't even bother with th

y clawing at her ribs. She tore through the gardens, the statues of old gods glinting with frost in the moonlight, marble slick

o find it. Only she, apparentl

out it-like it was some cozy bedtime story. The First Moonborn Daughter, the Beast King who loved her, the kis

s real. And she was th

one. It thudded once, like a heartbeat, and th

or sli

feet, sword in hand. Another, a healer, bleeding herself dry to save him. Another, a sorceress, riding him on a throne made of skull

hing like despair. "I won't be your puppet again!" she

(okay, three) of blackcurrant wine, and let the sweet burn numb her tongue. She stripped off her gown, rubbe

. Couldn't stop pressing her thighs together, heat building, restless an

sing the ache he'd left behind. She bit her lip, eyes sque

e-lost in the haze

anding at the foot of her bed, shadows clinging to him like a second skin. His fangs flashed, golden eyes molten, burning with

ill between her thi

, even if her body was betrayin

g, loaded silence. Then he gro

it this time. That I'

d deliberate, eyes pinned t

. Touching yourself

the dagger on

rtbeat, the other hand tearing the sheet away like it was

" she

ce frayed and raw. "Say my name

self, at the gods for ever writing

el.

gue, heat-like he was trying to brand her with m

-and when he found her wet, he grinned. Not like a man

s help her, want

for me. E

you," sh

ourself.

iming that set the magic in the air on fire. She cried out, clutchin

n't go

the entire bed rattled and her cries turned feral. His hand around

he came, s

for the

burning thro

e'd reignited wi

he could never