Lexi Ryan

“Abriella, every star in that sky shines for you.”

That no matter how hopeless I feel, there’s always a little more hope inside me. That no matter how faithless I think I am, there is always something to believe in.”

“May you always have a star to wish on, Abriella, and a reason to believe.”

Breathe, Abriella. You have to breathe. You can’t trade oxygen for courage.

Riaan shakes his head. “Not nearly as often as we used to. This one’s too busy for me. Preparing to be king. Choosing a bride.” He shoots me a meaningful look, then adds, “Though if you ask me, he should just grovel until you agree to take the position.”

I’m not sure what she’s referring to. Could be a distorted version of several different tales about mortals born to slay wicked kings.

Huh. Misha’s magic may be creepy, but it’s convenient.

Isn’t it? Misha’s deep voice asks in my head.

I nod. “I understand.” I take a breath. “And will the same technique work for blocking you out?”

He chuckles. “It will. But again, it takes practice. Be patient with yourself, and remember that even when you have me blocked, you can choose to use my creepy talent to communicate with me if you wish.”

course, Misha says in my mind. I trust Finn, but I’m not naïve enough to think he wouldn’t wreck all my plans for the sake of his own court. We all have our priorities, Princess.

I shoot Misha a glare for poking around in my mind, and he winks at me.

Look at how jealous he is. If you’d like to make him absolutely mad with jealousy, I’d be happy to help.

Don’t hold your breath. I give him a pointed look to drive the thought home, and Misha grins.

Beside me, Finn growls and sends a glare of his own in Misha’s direction. “If you two are done, I’d like to return to the subject at hand.”

“But you did. You took the potion, and in doing so, you salvaged one beautiful thing in a world full of ugliness. I, for one, will never be sorry for that.”

I huff. “You’re right. Misha does talk too much.”