Queen of Flames (Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin #4)

Chapter 1

Reyla

They say love is a gift.

That it can be gentle, radiant.

Something that lifts you up.

But I’ve learned love can drown you just as quickly.

It can bleed you dry and leave nothing behind but aching need.

It can steal the last breath from your lungs while you smile and take it.

I never asked to fall for a man bound by darkness.

I never meant to tie my soul to his alone

But I would defy the fates,

and I would tear out my own heart if it meant his would keep beating.

Let the curse carve its name in me instead.

As long as he gets to stand in the light—

just once,

unbroken.