Текст книги "The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King"
Автор книги: Carissa Broadbent
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Текущая страница: 36 (всего у книги 37 страниц)
80
ORAYA
I’d admit it. I now thoroughly enjoyed the taste of piss beer. Raihn and I sat on a rooftop in the human districts, trailing our fine clothing all over the dirty clay roof, and watched the sky over the blocky buildings, the party reduced to a sparkling smear of light in the distance.
Raihn took an enthusiastic swig of beer.
“This,” he said, “is much better.”
I agreed.
It was even worth the mild commotion that we’d caused getting the beer—crowns and all. At least the public reaction out here was more “dumbstruck awe” than “pant-pissing terror” these days. We’d been able to escape quickly afterwards, slipping off onto a quiet, shadowy rooftop in a near-abandoned block.
I took a gulp of my own. It burned a little going down. Probably doing some kind of lasting damage.
“I have to say,” I said, “it’s grown on me.”
“It’s the Coriatis bond. It gives you good taste.”
I chuckled. I watched him take another sip, transfixed by the wave of utter contentment that fell over his face.
Mother, I just—I loved watching him.
The last time he and I had come up here in our fineries, escaping a stuffy party to go drink on a slum rooftop, I’d had every intention of killing him. The moment I had realized I couldn’t was one of the most frightening of my life.
And this moment now—as it hit me, all at once, just how staggeringly much he meant to me—came in close second.
His eyes slipped to me. “What’s that face for, princess?”
I stared down into my beer, watching the reflection of the stars in the foamy darkness.
I didn’t answer right away.
“Do you ever feel afraid?”
It went against decades of training for me to even ask that question, and reveal the weakness that lay beneath it. Even now. Even with Raihn, my husband, my bonded, whose heart was literally linked to mine.
What was wrong with me?
I wouldn’t have blamed Raihn if he’d laughed at me. But he didn’t. His face was steady and serious. “Everyone feels afraid.”
“It feels...” I struggled to find the right word.
I had lost everyone I had ever loved. And even those loves had been laced with so much pain, so much complication. My love for Vincent, tangled up in his lies and controlling disapproval. My love for Ilana, hidden in shadows and sharp words. My love for my mother, stolen from me entirely.
The love I felt now, for Raihn, was… terrifying in its ease.
I was afraid that something would come to rip it away from me.
I was afraid that I would destroy it myself, by not knowing how to feel something so right.
“It feels like a trap,” I whispered. “The…”
“Happiness,” he finished.
I didn’t confirm it, even though he was right. It felt like a ridiculous thing to admit.
“You’ve been fighting your entire life, Oraya,” he murmured. “It makes sense. I feel it too.”
My gaze snapped up. “You do?”
He scoffed. “You think I’m not terrified every time I look at you?” He touched my face—tracing the curve of my cheek, down to the point of my chin, his smile softening. “Fuck, of course I am. You have my heart.”
You have my heart.
Those words struck me hard—so true, on so many different levels. Raihn had my heart, no matter how long I had denied that. He’d had it in every sense of the word, long before I asked a goddess to bind it to him. And the Coriatis bond, powerful as it was, was still no less frightening than the love I felt for him. Hell, maybe the love scared me even more.
To give someone that much of yourself. To give someone the power to destroy you.
I could understand it—why Vincent never learned how to do it. I could understand how it would be easier to never feel that kind of vulnerability.
And yet.
I pressed Raihn’s palm to my face, leaning into his touch.
And yet. There was such safety in that vulnerability, too. The ultimate paradox.
But that made sense for us, didn’t it? Raihn and I were paradoxes. Human and Rishan and Hiaj. Slaves and royalty.
“I know we’ll still have to fight,” he said. “But we’ll never have to do it alone again. That counts for something.”
It counted for everything.
I smiled against his hand. “You’re an alright ally.”
He laughed, full and bright and alive, and Mother, I would never in my life hear anything else so beautiful.
I pulled away and turned back to the horizon. The sky was starting to turn pink.
“Sunrise soon,” I said. “We should be getting inside.”
But Raihn shook his head. “Not yet.”
I gave him a skeptical stare, and he shrugged. “It’s not going to kill me. I promise. Besides.” He pointed up, to the crooked metal awning above him, and made a point of scooting back flush against the wall. “Look. I’m in the shade.”
I wasn’t convinced. “That’s a stupid idea.”
“Please, princess. Just a few minutes. You go out there and feel the sunrise. Maybe I’ll feel it too. Bond and all that. I’ll stay in the shade and then we can go a block away to the apartment and I can make passionate love to you for the next seven hours.”
My eyes narrowed. He smirked.
“It’s appealing to you,” he said. “I can tell.”
Goddess damn him.
Then his face lit up. “Look.”
I turned to see the sun scorching the horizon. The sky became a blazing fire of reds and pinks and purples as the orb of brilliant light rose above the sands of the dunes.
My heart caught in my throat.
I rose and stepped from beneath the awning, into the red-orange light of the infant sun. The warmth suffused my skin, bathing me in it.
I’d never much enjoyed the sunlight. For most of my life, I’d avoided it. Just another reminder of how I was different—inferior—to the beings that surrounded me.
Now, that seemed outrageous.
I spread my arms out and closed my eyes, soaking it into my skin.
“It’s something,” I said. “Isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Raihn said softly. “It’s really something.”
But when I glanced over my shoulder back at him, he wasn’t looking at the sun at all.
My chest tightened, overflowing.
“So?” I said. “Do you feel it?”
“I’m not sure.” He held out a hand. “Come here.”
I obeyed, crawling back under the awning. And as soon as I was in arm’s reach, his hands were all over me, his lips on my shoulder, my arms, my throat, my chest.
“Yes,” he murmured. “I think I feel it now.”
I let my eyelids flutter closed. Let myself be surrounded by him, as he kissed the dawn off my skin. My husband. My ally. My lover.
Facing a new day beside me.
And as that golden sun crested the horizon, as a new year broke, as his lips found mine, my answer rose to the surface of my skin like the moon rising in the night sky.
And not a single part of me doubted it as I whispered into his kiss, “I feel it, too.”
THE END
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Thank you so much for reading The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King! This was a very challenging book to write, mostly because I really wanted to bring Oraya and Raihn’s (main) story to a satisfying and emotional close. I truly hope, from the bottom of my soul, that you loved it just as much as I loved writing it. I connected so deeply with their story, and I hope you did too.
Though the Nightborn Duet, which primarily follows Oraya and Raihn, is now complete, the core Crowns of Nyaxia series is 6 books total. There is a lot to come! Book 3 will take us to the House of Shadow… and you may already be a fan of our next primary FMC, a bright and cheerful magic wielder who’s masking some serious shadows of her own…
Book 3 will be coming in spring/summer 2024!
If you enjoyed this book, I would truly appreciate if you’d consider leaving a review on Amazon or GoodReads. I can’t overstate how important reviews are to authors!
And if you’d like to be the first to know about new releases, new art, new swag, and all kinds of other fun stuff, consider signing up for my newsletter at carissabroadbentbooks.com, hanging out in my Facebook group (Carissa Broadbent’s Lost Hearts), or joining my Discord server (invite at linktr.ee/carissanasyra!).
I would love to keep in touch!
READY FOR MORE OF THE CROWNS OF NYAXIA WORLD?
If you enjoyed The Serpent and the Wings of Night and The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King and are looking for more in the Crowns of Nyaxia world, you’re in luck!
Book 3, The Songbird and the Heart of Stone, will be coming in spring/summer 2024.
But, if that sounds so far away, you may want to check out…
–
Slaying the Vampire Conqueror
Coming April 27
A standalone , full-length novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia world.
She was commanded to kill him with a single strike to the heart. She didn’t expect her own to betray her.
Sylina has sacrificed everything for her goddess–her soul, her freedom, her eyes. Life in service to the Arachessen, a cult of the Goddess of Fate, has turned Sylina from orphaned street-rat to disciplined killer, determined to overthrow Glaea’s tyrannical king.
But when a brutal vampire conqueror arrives on their shores, Sylina faces an even deadlier adversary. She’s tasked with a crucial mission: infiltrate his army, earn his trust… and kill him.
Atrius is a terrifying warrior carving an unstoppable path through Glaea. Yet when Sylina becomes his seer, she glimpses a dark and shocking past–and a side of him that reminds her far too much of parts of herself she’d rather forget.
Sylina’s orders are clear. The conqueror cannot live. But as the blood spilled by Glaea’s tyrant king runs thicker, her connection with Atrius only grows stronger. A connection forbidden by her vows. A connection that could cost her everything.
Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is a standalone fantasy romance set in the Crowns of Nyaxia world, full of heart-wrenching forbidden romance, dark curses, and epic battles – perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom and the From Blood and Ash series. It is an installment of the heart-pounding fantasy romance series, Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers. If you like forbidden romance, dark curses, bad*ss heroines, and morally-gray heroes, you’ll devour this sexy, addictive series.
Available for Preorder Now!
SIX SCORCHED ROSES
A standalone novella in the Crowns of Nyaxia world
Six roses. Six vials of blood. Six visits to a vampire who could be her salvation… or her damnation.
Lilith has been dying since the day she was born. But while she long ago came to terms with her own imminent death, the deaths of everyone she loves is an entirely different matter. As her town slowly withers in the clutches of a mysterious god-cursed illness, she takes matters into her own hands.
Desperate to find a cure, Lilith strikes a bargain with the only thing the gods hate even more than her village: a vampire, Vale. She offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood—the one hope for her town’s salvation.
But when what begins as a simple transaction gradually becomes something more, Lilith is faced with a terrifying realization: It’s dangerous to wander into the clutches of a vampire… and in a place already suffering a god’s wrath, more dangerous still to fall in love with one.
Six Scorched Roses is a standalone fantasy romance novella set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, perfect for those who love dark, romantic tales with bite and fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Available Now!
ALSO BY CARISSA BROADBENT
If you like the Crowns of Nyaxia series, check out The War of Lost Hearts series, an epic romantasy trilogy full of romance, revenge, and redemption – and best of all, it’s complete and ready to binge.
Book 1: Daughter of No Worlds
Book 2: Children of Fallen Gods
Book 3: Mother of Death and Dawn
Available on Amazon and free to read in Kindle Unlimited.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Acaeja – The goddess of fate, spellcasting, mystery, and lost things. Member of the White Pantheon. Only god to be on somewhat civil terms with Nyaxia, though that seems to have been changing lately…
Alarus – The god of death and husband of Nyaxia. Exiled by the White Pantheon as punishment for his forbidden relationship with Nyaxia. Considered to be deceased.
Asteris – A form of magical energy wielded by Nightborn vampires, derived from the stars. Rare and difficult to use, requiring significant skill and energy.
Atroxus – The god of the sun and leader of the White Pantheon.
Bloodborn – Vampires of the House of Blood.
Born – A term used to describe vampires who are born via biological procreation. This is the most common way that vampires are created.
Celeba – A continent in the human lands to the east of Obitraes.
Coriatis Bond – A rare and powerful bond that can be forged only by a god, in which two people share all aspects of their power, linking their lives and souls. Nyaxia is the only god known to grant Coriatis bonds, though any god is capable of doing so. Those who are bound are referred to as each other’s Coriatae. Coriatae share all aspects of each other’s power, typically making both stronger. Coriatae cannot act against each other and cannot live without each other.
Demons – A term used to describe a broad variety of beasts common in Obitraes. Some demons are naturally born and free-running in Obitraes. Other demons are more rare and are summoned by magic wielders, usually to be used as weapons in warfare. There are many different types of demons, ranging from common to extremely rare, and they vary tremendously in appearance, behavior, intelligence, etc.
Dhaivinth – A poison that temporarily paralyzes.
Dhera – A nation in the human lands. Vale is currently living there.
Extryn – The prison of the gods of the White Pantheon.
Obitraes – The land of Nyaxia, consisting of three kingdoms: The House of Night, The House of Shadow, and the House of Blood.
Heir Mark – A permanent mark that appears on the Heir of the Hiaj and Rishan clans when the previous Heir dies, marking their position and power.
Hiaj – One of the two clans of Nightborn vampires. They have featherless wings that resemble those of bats.
The House of Blood – One of the three vampire kingdoms of Obitraes. Two thousand years ago, when Nyaxia created vampires, the House of Blood was her favorite House. She thought long and hard about which gift to give them, while the Bloodborn watched their brothers to the west and north flaunt their powers. Eventually, the Bloodborn turned on Nyaxia, certain that she had abandoned them. In punishment, Nyaxia cursed them. The House of Blood is now looked down upon by the other two houses. People from the House of Blood are called Bloodborn.
The House of Night – One of the three vampire kingdoms of Obitraes. Known for their skill in battle and for their vicious natures, and wielders of magic derived from the night sky. There are two clans of Nightborn vampires, Hiaj and Rishan, who have fought for thousands of years over rule. Those of the House of Night are called Nightborn.
The House of Shadow – One of the three vampire kingdoms of Obitraes. Known for their commitment to knowledge; wielders of mind magic, shadow magic, and necromancy. Those of the House of Shadow are called Shadowborn.
Ix – Goddess of sex, fertility, childbirth, and procreation. Member of the White Pantheon.
Kajmar – God of art, seduction, beauty, and deceit. Member of the White Pantheon.
The Kejari – A legendary, once-per-century tournament to the death held in Nyaxia’s honor. The winner receives a gift from Nyaxia herself. The Kejari is open to all in Obitraes, but is hosted by the House of Night, as the Nightborn hold the greatest domain over the art of battle out the three vampire kingdoms.
Lahor – A city on the eastern tip of Obitraes, once great but now little more than ruins. Vincent’s homeland.
Lituro River – A river that runs through the center of Sivrinaj.
Moon Palace – A palace in Sivrinaj, the capital of the House of Night, specifically there to house contestants of the once-in-a-century Kejari tournament held in Nyaxia’s honor. Said to be enchanted and to exert the will of Nyaxia herself.
Neculai Vasarus – The former Rishan king of the House of Night. Turned and subsequently enslaved Raihn. Usurped and killed by Vincent 200 years prior to the events of this book.
Nightborn – Vampires of the House of Night.
Nightfire – Like Asteris, another form of star-derived magic wielded by the vampires of the House of Night. While Asteris is dark and cold, Nightfire is bright and hot. Nightfire is commonly used in the House of Night but very difficult to wield masterfully.
Nyaxia – Exiled goddess, mother of vampires, and widow of the god of death. Nyaxia lords over the domain of night, shadow, and blood, and as well as the inherited domain of death from her deceased husband. Formerly a lesser goddess, she fell in love with Alarus and married him despite the forbidden nature of their relationship. When Alarus was murdered by the White Pantheon as punishment for his marriage to her, Nyaxia broke free from the White Pantheon in a fit of rage, and offered her supporters the gift of immortality in the form of vampirism—founding Obitraes and the vampire kingdoms. (Also referred to as: the Mother; the Goddess; Mother of the Ravenous Dark; Mother of Night, Shadow, and Blood.)
Pachnai – A human nation to the east of Obitraes.
Rishan – One of the two clans of Nightborn vampires. Have feathered wings. Usurped by the Hiaj 200 years ago.
Salinae – A major city in the House of Night. Located in Rishan territory. When the Rishan were in power, Salinae was a thriving hub, functioning as a second capital. Oraya spent the first years of her life, before Vincent found her, in Salinae.
Shadowborn – Vampires of the House of Shadow.
Sivrinaj – The capital of the House of Night. Home to the Nightborn castle, the Moon Palace, and host to the Kejari once every 100 years.
Taker of Hearts – Vincent’s legendary sword, a rapier that was soul-bonded to him.
Tazrak – A notorious prison in the House of Night.
Turning – A process to make a human into a vampire, requiring a vampire to drink from a human and offer their blood to the human in return. Vampires who underwent this process are referred to as Turned. Vampires who are Turned take on the House of the vampire who Turned them. For example, a vampire Turned by a Shadowborn vampire will be Shadowborn themselves, etc.
White Pantheon – The twelve gods of the core cannon, including Alarus, who is presumed deceased. The White Pantheon is worshipped by all humans, with certain regions potentially having favor towards specific gods within the Pantheon. Nyaxia is not a member of the White Pantheon and is actively hostile to them. The White Pantheon imprisoned and later executed Alarus, the God of Death, as punishment for his unlawful marriage with Nyaxia, then a lesser goddess.
Zarux – The god of the sea, rain, weather, storms, and water. Member of the White Pantheon.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I say it every time, but I’ll say it again now: I can’t believe I’m writing these yet again! Right now I’m typing this while seven months pregnant, and at the end of a multi-month-long crunch zone while I prepared three books for publication barely over a month away from each other. I am barely human anymore, and I have so many people to thank for helping me make it here alive and for helping to make this book the best it can possibly be.
Nathan, you will always come first in these acknowledgments. Thank you for being the best partner in the world and for being the north-star of every well-adjusted love story I’ve ever written. Thanks for being my best friend, my brainstorming buddy, my art director, my hype-man, and so much more. I love you!
Clare, thank you so much for being such an amazing friend, support system, and author “co-worker.” I would never survive this wild author ride without you! Thanks for keeping me sane during the production of this book and for all your constant support, brainstorming, troubleshooting, and general shooting-the-shit.
KD Ritchie at Storywrappers Design, thank you for being an incredible cover designer and such an amazing supportive force in general! I love working together.
Noah, thank you for the incredible editing and for putting up with literal months for my bizarro delivery schedules. You make every book I write so much better, in every phase of its creation. Thank you!
Rachel and Anthony, thank you for being fabulous proofreaders and typo-catchers. Rachel, thank you even more for all of the wonderful reader reaction notes, I love them!
Ariella, thank you for the beta reading and for generally keeping me sane and making sure I stay on track while finishing and launching this book. You are awesome!
Deanna, Alex, Gabriella, thank you for your invaluable feedback and support and for being the best beta readers ever. You’re the best!
Thank you to my agent, Bibi, for generally being awesome and also for providing invaluable career advice and for helping the Nyaxia series reach heights and distances that I honestly never ever could have dreamed about a year ago.
Thank you to my Swords & Corsets crew, JD Evans, Krystle Matar, and Angela Boord, for keeping me sane and listening to me bitch all the time. Special shout-out to Krystle for being my sprinting buddy through the entire creation and editing process of this book!
And finally, the biggest thanks of all goes to you. These last few months have been absolutely surreal and I know as soon as I launch this book, it’s going to hit me like a truck. I am not exaggerating when I say I literally could not have imagined any of this a year or even six months ago. Thank you for your fan art, your messages, your emails, your aesthetic boards, your reviews, your TikTok and Instagram and Goodreads posts, and in general, the immense support and enthusiasm you’ve given these characters. I am gobsmacked every day! I hope you love what comes next!
