Chained

“For years now, we’ve lived in a state of precarious balance—those who reside on the surface and those in the Depths were separate and blissfully oblivious. All was as it should be. But you, Soleia, and that mate of yours—you fucked it up for all of us. You have no idea what you’ve done. It’s your fault she’s here. Your fault.”

“I’m definitely saying I don’t want some horny ancient weirdo trying to get me pregnant, in case that’s not obvious. On top of everything else wrong with it, I love Bastian.”

“I’m bound to you, heart, soul, and mind. Nothing and no one will change that. Look inside yourself. Trust yourself as I do—and as Shara does.”

“Do not make me say how it would pain me. I don’t like to admit how fragile you’ve made me. How brittle my heart is every time you walk away—and how much I’ve ached these last few days, worrying that you were hurt, or worse. I couldn’t feel our bond, and it nearly broke me. No one has ever robbed me of my soul until you.”

“Sylvan told me once that he chose this symbol because I am cold as the surface of the Peaks. He claimed it was the thing he enjoyed most about me—that I was not easy to win over. The irony is that I fell in love with him the first second I saw him. I just hid it well. To this day, there is nothing in the world I wouldn’t do for that man. I would kill for him—and I intend to prove it before too many days have passed.”

“Whatever may come, you and I will face it together.

“Do not let the truth vanquish your minds. It will not be pleasant—but you have no choice now but to learn it. More depends on you both than you know, and you will soon be tested. I am sorry for what you will endure.”

“Fuck me like it’s the end of the world. As if we’re the last people alive.”

“This land is ruled by bullshit and treachery—by greedy, vengeful little men. Then again, what land isn’t? Nearly every government is its own kind of smokescreen, and behind its leadership often lies something far worse than anyone can possibly imagine.”

“For years, I thought I knew everything the High Council was up to. Doling out just enough currency to the Peaks’ citizens. Keeping the people fed—just barely. Enriching a precious few while impoverishing many. But from what you’ve told me about the city under the mountain, the true power in the Peaks may well lie in the hands of people we’ve never even considered—people hidden in the darkest places.”

“Power is frightening, and for years, my sister has been a vessel for it. But it’s also addictive—which is likely one reason the people of Lumis adore Sylvan. For the time being, though, you and I should figure out exactly where Aimée is. We’ll find her and bring her to the surface. If Carys wants to join us there, so be it. But my niece is not safe here—I’m as sure of it as I’ve ever been of anything.”

“I’ve never been able to rely on anyone, Bastian. It’s hard for me to grasp the concept of trust. I loved my father more than anyone in the world, and he sent me away. The Hursts…they were awful, but you know that. You met Oliver. I have always been a thing that people discarded or abused. I’m not sure how to become a thing the most beautiful man in the world loves.”

“Because as long as people are preoccupied with their own suffering, they won’t find the strength to rise up. They’re too worried about making it through next week to concern themselves with next year.”

“I’m beginning to think they—we—are all pawns in a far bigger game.”

“You are the light that has finally convinced my heart that I am worthy of love. I still love my sister. I love Aimée. But until you came along, I never felt worthy of either of them. Even when Carys was turned by Saint—when she became a monster who wished me dead above all other things—I told myself I deserved it. That she hated me because I was terrible. But you wandered into my life, and the first second I looked into those green eyes of yours, I felt layers of self-loathing peel away from my soul—because I saw in you a person who might one day love me.”

“The truth lies in the darkness. The Obsidian Sky must be revealed—and the seasons must change. You must be the one to make it happen. I’m sorry, Soleia. It falls to you now.”

“Fuck. Me. You are the most addictive substance known to man. Or woman. Or any other living thing. If you ever leave me again, Sunshine, I think I will perish.”

“She is my mate. She is here as a guest, and you will show her respect.”