One Dark Window

“What does the Shepherd King want?” he asked the girl-spirit. “What is he after?”

“Balance,” she answered, head tilting like a bird of prey. “To right terrible wrongs. To free Blunder from the Rowans.” Her yellow eyes narrowed, wicked and absolute. “To collect his due.”

Only I can find the Twin Alders…

“For it was I who left it there.”

Only I can find the Twin Alders…

“For it was I who left it there.”

The girl, the King… and the monster they became.

The girl, the King… and the monster they became.

I’m asking for your help, I said, my voice clear. I understand the price.

I’m asking for your help, I said, my voice clear. I understand the price.

“Be safe,” I whispered to the wind as Ravyn Yew disappeared beyond the gate.

Had I known they’d be the last words I’d say to him aloud, I might have chosen them differently.

Be wary the voice that comes in the night.

“Are you still pretending?” I said, reveling in his gaze.

Ravyn gave a surprised laugh and, in front of everyone, leaned in and kissed me. “I never was,” he whispered into my lips.