“The very human-looking, terrified eyes of the young woman are burned into my mind. “What are they?” I ask, still shaken. “They’re seals. Very fierce seals, at that.” My aunt pauses to lean back against the elaborately embroidered cushions. “Long… — Laurie Forest Copy Share Image
“There are assorted side characters, too: the beautiful Gardnerian maidens with their long black hair; wicked Lupine shapeshifters—half-human, half-wolf; green-scaled Snake Elves; and the… — Laurie Forest Copy Share Image
“You will not be able to shelter her forever,” my aunt insists. “What will happen when you are gone someday, and all the suitable men have already been wandfasted?” “What will happen is that she will have the means to make her own way in the world.” My aunt laughs at this. Even her laugh is graceful. It makes me… — Laurie Forest Copy Share
“But—she mentioned three young women. I blink at her in confusion, wondering if I heard her wrong. “And the third?” Aunt Vyvian’s mouth grows tight, her face darkening, eyes cool. “That would be Fallon Bane, dear. I very much doubt you’ll like her.” I gape at her. “Then...why...?” “Her father is Malkyn Bane. He’s a military commander and has a… — Laurie Forest Copy Share
“This Yvan Guriel doesn’t even know me, I lament, glaring resentfully at him out of the corner of my eye. He has no right… — Laurie Forest Copy Share Image
“There it is. Chemistrie. Professor Astrid Volya. I glance back over at Andras. “What’s her son like?” I wonder. “He’s quiet,” Aislinn whispers, looking over at him. “And he’s amazingly good at every sport: sword fighting, ax throwing, archery, you name it. And he’s a natural with horses, just like his mother. That’s his job. He cares for the horses… — Laurie Forest Copy Share
“Reluctantly, I say my goodbyes to Echo and follow behind Aislinn, trying my best to ignore the Kelt, Yvan Guriel, as he sets his… — Laurie Forest Copy Share Image
“That’s nothing,” Paige says, eyes wide. “You should see what else she can do. She’s a Level Five Mage. One of the best of the whole Guard.” “It sounds like you and Lukas Grey are well suited for each other,” I tell Fallon placatingly, wanting to be struck clear off her list of potential enemies. Aunt Vyvian needs to abandon… — Laurie Forest Copy Share
“My grandmother, more than any other woman, was the standard bearer of Gardnerian beauty. Known as “The Black Witch” by our enemies, she was one of the most powerful Gardnerian Mages ever. Intellectually brilliant, artistically gifted, stunningly beautiful and a ruthlessly effective commander of our military forces—she was all of these things. And I don’t just resemble her. I’m her… — Laurie Forest Copy Share
“I stare at him, feeling as if I’m caught in a surreal scene. The son of the Black Witch, as wildly intimidating in appearance… — Laurie Forest Copy Share Image
“It’s hard, isn’t it?” he asks, his own voice breaking. “To have a mind that strays outside the lines?” I” — Laurie Forest Copy Share Image
“I’ll tell you what,” he bargains, amused. “There’s a dance every Yule at University. You go with Gareth, and I’ll ask Aislinn Greer.” “I can’t,” I say hesitantly, not wanting to displease my older brother. “I’ve already agreed to go with Lukas.” “Elloren.” He reaches out to touch my arm, his voice once again serious. “I’m not kidding about Lukas… — Laurie Forest Copy Share
“My heart speeds up slightly at the sight of them so close, so intimate, and I suddenly feel worried about my friend. It’s one thing to wish Jarod was Gardnerian in the abstract. But he isn’t. He’s the son of his people’s alpha, and Aislinn’s from one of the most conservative families in Gardneria. Our people hate each other. No,… — Laurie Forest Copy Share
