by A Lonergan
I wrinkled my eyebrows. After that last tidbit, I didn’t hear anything else she said. “Excuse me? Nico?”
Madam Colver gave me a surprised look. “Oh, you didn’t know.”
“I threw a book at his head.” I squeezed my eyes closed and continued to think back on all the conniving things I had done to him. “I told him I was going to kill him.”
“Sometimes men like feisty women.” She shrugged before she adjusted her corset. It was still risqué but I had grown accustomed to it. There was nothing wrong with a little self-love.
“I don’t think we should be talking about this because I am rather certain you aren’t right about it.” I crossed my arms over my chest and looked around the camp. Nico was walking our way and when he noticed my eyes on him, his cheeks stained pink. I hoped Madam Colver was wrong. There were too many things complicating my life. Balam and his horsemen. Cal and his whatever. Now Nico…
I let out a sigh and walked in the opposite direction. I just needed to stay away from people altogether. Life was so much simpler when I didn’t have to worry with caring about others.
Chapter Forty-Nine
Balam
Our armies met on two hills that overlooked a valley. It was a day I knew I would never forget. As much as Willow disliked me and Cal, she stood next to the both of us with her head held high. She had her whip poised at her thigh and her magic swirled around us all. It would take the form of a snake one minute, then the form of a horse. She was getting better at it, day by day. I felt a sense of pride at the fact that I had been able to teach her so much. But also because she had applied them. Cal gave me a stern look over Willow’s head and I knew what it meant. I was to protect Willow, no matter what.
Ailia hadn’t been allowed to come with the rest of the army. Nico had stayed back with her to keep her safe with the rest that couldn’t actively fight. Willow snapped her whip and her magic surged in the air before it rested in front of her and materialized back into a horse. The beast kicked its legs into the air and trotted around us before Willow mounted it. She looked down at me and smiled. But it wasn’t a smile, she was baring her teeth in malice.
The battle horns sounded and she charged down the mountain. Her magic made a wave on the ground while she rode the beast. It attacked anything that got too close to her. I ran beside her and let my magic free. Willow looked down at me in surprise then screamed to the heavens.
It was time to kill.
Acknowledgments
I never know what to put here. If we are being honest with each other. There are honestly so many people to thank and I never feel like I get it right, like I can actually spill all of my feelings into such a little space but I can certainly try. And I will continue to try, time and time again. This section is a little more emotional because as I was writing this book I almost lost everything. I almost lost my husband and it’s still something I don’t even know how to process correctly now, even weeks later. For a brief period I wondered if this book would even happen. I was worried that I would have to stop writing. My husband’s health was on the line and long nights writing didn’t seem to be important anymore. But somehow through all of that, my husband continued to be my spark and my light through the darkness we were both experiencing. He continued to be my muse for some of my asshole characters, haha ;) So somehow, I continued to write and here we are, at the end of another book. Another book I hope and pray you enjoy. So, thank you, Brandon. Thank you for showing me just how important our love is, thank you for loving me and continuing to add passion to our marriage. Even eight years later and there is no one I would rather be with. Thank you for still being here with me and encouraging me to do this book thang. This wouldn’t be possible without your support.
Thank you to my Mason! Thank you for helping me name the Artrovian kingdom and most of the animals, like bullhawks and festerfausts. You show me new light and imagination daily. Hearing you play and imagine fuels so much of my writing. Reading with you every night is the highlight of my days.
Thank you to Brittany, because this book wouldn’t be what it is without you and your bold caps edits. Thank you for telling me where to put commas and hyphens and just being one of my best friends even though you’re alllllllll the way across the pond. Thank you for sending me voice messages of your husband’s British accent and your daughter’s love. You bring so much light to my life. You have no idea. Thank you.
Thank you to Karisma, for our 3 hour phone calls that consist of nothing but controversial topics and us yelling at our dogs/kids. You’re my safe place and one of my truest friends. You keep my life organized and together, even though you’re so many miles away from us. Thank you, Karma.
Thank you Tori, for always believing in my stories since day one. For always sending me book texts and telling me what you’re reading. Thank you for going on trips with me and putting up with my anxious ass. Thank you for showing me what true friendship looks like.
Thank you to all my new friends. The ones that tell me I’m a badass and continue to cheer me on.
Thank you to my readers. All the new and old. I couldn’t do any of this without you. You make these words worth writing. Thank you for loving them as much as I do.
Also by A. Lonergan
The Demi Chronicles-
Goddess Games
Goddess Choice
Goddess Trials
Witches of Jackson Square-
Transfixed
Fixated
Captivated
Enraptured
Tales from the Mirror Realm-
Assassin’s Reign
Assassin’s Liege
Brothers Bound Series-
Euphoria
Nostalgia
Ashes to Ashes
