A Tale of Cursed Tides (The Earl of Orradon #1)

Prologue

The raven watched from the shadows as the female raised her chin and looked into the eyes of the one who would kill her.

If she was afraid in these final moments, she did not show it. She did not cry or beg for her life, as he’d seen so many others do.

The raven was not surprised by this; from all he had seen of her, she was defiant and bold. Certainly impertinent, with a reckless streak that had culminated in this moment.

He had observed her over these past weeks, every decision bringing her closer to this harrowing fate. Did she regret her actions? Given the choice, would she do it all differently?

The female’s lip curled as she mocked the monster who’d ensnared her.

The raven didn’t know if it was incredibly impressive or exceedingly foolish.

Either way, it would not change the outcome.

Death would come for her as surely as the full moon would emerge from behind the thick blanket of clouds in the sky.

The raven scanned the scene of smoke and blood and bodies—the pool of sickness on the forest floor.

There was no one to save her now. Not when life itself avoided these parts like a graveyard. There was no chance of escape. Not while she was held by a force as immovable as her shackles were unbreakable.

The raven’s black eyes remained trained on the female as the monster leaned in close.

Tilting her chin up with the tip of a bloody dagger, the monster murmured something to the female, then stroked her cheek with the tenderness of a lover.

Nostrils flared, the female recoiled from the touch like it was deadly venom.

As quick as a cobra, the monster struck.

With a flap of his wings, the raven was gone.