e like he own

e looked more human than her father - but that made him all the more dangerous. He was beau

na didn'

her d

at

iberate, like a predator giving p

e low and smoky. "They said you were unstabl

ntained," she re

I can

wicked - like he saw something

d ask his name,

"this is Kael. General of my Le

who?" she asked

ered first

n't even

"I've known you si

nce landed in her chest like a stone dropped in deep wa

-

the mountain's side. The floor was obsidian-black and g

ssed her

barely. The blade

ready," he

on't kn

. Born of two real

ed, blade steady.

clashed. She barely had time to think - only react. He moved like sm

ments, her bla

pinned in

t - not choking, but holding. Testing. His face w

itate," h

I'm not

You're

eleas

throat as he stepped ba

he flame beneath your skin. You think the angels will

idn't

e he wa

-

on a balcony of the dark cast

hands

a rose in the courtyard and it had withered to ash. When she looked in the

er heart beat faster

use she f

ause she

-

spoke b

e unrav

ned. Her

. His silhouette was f

m burning alive,

threatened. But it must be balanced

I lose

you're stronger than either si

Then why does it feel like

oming who you truly are means ki

-

Seraphina awoke i

overnight, like the sha

the court, but to the deepest corridor in the castle -

irrors and wall

chamber door, chained in sil

ched for

nd the angel

stepped from the s

linch. "What'

mirr

eal a m

your reflection," he said.

t the door. "

ng closer. "Not yet. N

nger, her pain, her desire

do you

mother fell," he said quietly.

hina b

love

narrowing. "But I lov

I stand for?"

ed. Then whis

at blooming between them

and vanished int

-

Seraphina dre

re - control

nto thorns. Into lips that kiss

h Kael's name

-

e con