Hawthorn Vaelor Orion’s grin when he walked into his rooms would have been visible from miles away. “I guess congratulations are in order,” he said, getting into my personal space and patting me on the shoulder. “This is a disaster,” I replied, shoving his hand off. The bond no longer felt like it was strangling me, but the weight was still too heavy. “I shouldn’t have let you talk me into going to the Choosing.” Read more…
Elda Evervale Hawke Silverpine was my mate. It still didn’t feel real, despite my earlier confidence and announcement. Emotions roiled through me like a pending storm while I waited in my room, not wanting to be the first one to arrive at dinner. Even though he was with Prince Orion, I could still feel the connection through the bond. The twisting branches seemed rooted in my own chest, and I knew that for as long Read more…
Hawthorn Vaelor No. This absolutely could not be happening. The connection forged itself between us, an unbreakable golden chain that felt like the most precious thing that had ever happened and a noose closing around my neck at the same time. My fingers closed gently around the flower, but I was careful not to crush the velvety petals as I pulled my hand against my chest. I could feel her magic, humming along my skin, Read more…
Elda Evervale Despite the warmth of the sun, I felt cold. My hands were clammy, and I had to fight to keep my nerves from showing on my face as I followed behind Willow. My Choosing was to be held on the rooftop terrace of the palace, underneath the curving branches of the alder tree planted there. It was said to have been born from the seed of the first tree that our goddess had Read more…
Coming out to the courtyard was a risk, but I’d needed to see who my father had sent in the delegation. My disguise was solid, but it wasn’t like I could change the entire structure of my face. Still, expectations were half of recognition. I wasn’t wearing my court finery. I was dressed in a simple black jacket and shirt, with fitted pants and boots. My sword was strapped to my back along with a Read more…
Elda Evervale In an ideal world, I’d have woken up at dawn on this day of my Choosing. The light would have come through my open balcony and the song of the thrushes in the forest would have been what pulled me out of a sweet dream. My mother would come to help me draw a bath. We’d put lavender and other sweet smelling herbs in the warm water and she would wash my hair Read more…