>>Aelin
Her body lay twisted but still breathing, strands of her dark hair splayed across her face, the gold from her robe ripped and dust-covered. Blood stained her sleeve. Her lip was split. There were gashes along her arms and deep bruises blooming across her collarbone.
But I would have recognized her anywhere.
That sharp, proud face.
Those eyes — even though they were dazed now — eyes that used to look at me like I was something less than a speck.
Alishay.
My stomach plummeted.
Her body lay half-crumpled, arm braced against the earth as she slowly lifted herself onto one knee. Her long black hair was tangled, her once-elegant armor scuffed and marred by claw marks.
The air crackled.
It was like the forest itself was holding its breath.
Alishay stood fully now, pushing her hair back from her face, her cold eyes sweeping the clearing like a curse. Her lips curled up in a cruel smile.
And then, the world seemed to still—
Because I felt him before I saw him.
Heat.
