Page 193 of Grove of Trees

I ascended the stairs again, my two immovable rocks behind me.

Aine waited at the top. She reached out, taking my hand without hesitation. The vines withdrew, recognizing her immediately.

Breena clasped my other and the thorns retreated again.

The three of us stepped up to the sparkling wishing well. Iridescent light painted our bodies like sparkling armor.

“Together?” Breena asked, squeezing my hand.

“Together,” Aine said firmly.

My sedated emotions flickered, waking in an overwhelming rush. Tears pooled as I held both their hands tighter.

“Together,” I echoed with a slight tremor, but not from fear.

Maybe, just maybe, a sliver of hope had survived.

I extended a torn, blood-slicked arm. A slow, knowing smile curled my lips.

Pain transformed to power.

I opened my palm, and the world went ablaze.

57

POGUE

If Death had wings,she’d wear them like that.

I watched from the shadows as Carwynn rose to the dais, a wraith cloaked in radiance and blood.

Unholy. Beautiful.

He thought he had a claim on her, but she was never his—because I marked herfirst.