These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows)

“It’s not too late to change your mind,” Misha says, pushing into my chambers as if he owns the place.
He’d gone home to the Wild Fae Lands after we celebrated my taking the throne, but he visits often. Sometimes I think he’s afraid that Pretha will take his spot as my best friend if he doesn’t see me frequently.

“When I got stuck, you should’ve gone through the portal without me.” His jaw is hard, eyes glittering with anger.
“Never.”

You love me?” he asks.
“I love you,” I say without hesitation or reservation. “You love me?”
“I love you,” he says. “But I would love you even if you never wanted to bond with me.”
“Same,” I whisper. “Always.”

I am not just the girl who understands. I am the one who wants better

“Go there, Abriella, child of Mab.”

Finn’s snaps his gaze to me, wide-eyed and staring, but I can’t take my eyes off the dead woman speaking to me.

“The Great Queen waits for you. Bring your tethered match,” she says, “and the power of your blood combined will open the gates to the Underworld. Go learn how to save your kingdom.” The priestess falls forward to the floor, into a pool of her own blood.

The High Priestess of the shadow fae is, in a word, a bitch.

Misha’s face hardens, revealing nothing. “I don’t want to talk about it tonight. I just want to dance with the prettiest girl at the party.” I melt a little at his flattery, and he sighs. “But since she’s not available, I’d settle for a dance with you.”

“I’ve got you,” Finn says. “Don’t give up. Don’t you dare fucking give up. You’re safe now. You’re home.”

When I meet his eyes, he gives me a sad smile. “If love and devotion were enough to heal these children and this court, they’d have the savior they need in you.”

I huff. “You’re right. Misha does talk too much.”