Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 231436 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1157(@200wpm)___ 926(@250wpm)___ 771(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 231436 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1157(@200wpm)___ 926(@250wpm)___ 771(@300wpm)
But even with her back in his arms and still being able to see the beautiful green of her eyes versus the black he so feared, he blames himself for the attack and feels he didn’t do enough to ensure her safety.
When Poppy questions what happened when she was out of it, he tells her that she died and that his marriage imprint had even begun to fade, which was when he knew there was no turning back and started the process of Ascending her. They then discuss the things that came after—her trying to eat Kieran, him feeding from Naill, the fact that she didn’t, in fact, Ascend.
They talk with Kieran about what happened at the Temple and why she didn’t Ascend, thus turning into a vampry. Kieran reminds Poppy that he told her she smelled of Death, not like something dead, and Casteel adds that her blood doesn’t just taste old, it tastes ancient. Therefore, the blood in her must be old power. They also talk about why she did what she did—or was able to do—in the Chambers, deducing it was her being on Atlantian land combined with the blood she’d taken from Casteel, along with a few other things.
Boy, would they be surprised when they discovered the truth of it.
When Poppy inquires about the wolven bonds, Casteel confirms that his tether to Kieran is indeed broken. Kieran says they just made room for her.
That seriously makes me a puddle of goo. He’s just so sweet and sexy.
They discuss Alastir, and Poppy reveals that he was there the night she and her parents were attacked at Lockswood, Casteel tells her that he meant what he said when he promised she could have whatever she wanted. And then he tells her that Alastir is all hers.
Sweet, sweet retribution. There is something utterly erotic about exacting vengeance when punishment is due.
Before they set off for the Skotos Mountains, Casteel tells Poppy how impressed he is with her new strength and asks her to demonstrate by hitting him. When she refuses, he goads her by teasing her about how much she loves my journal—who wouldn’t?—and finally gets her to slug him in the stomach, most definitely proving how much stronger she is.
As they ride on, Casteel notes how the mist seems different through the mountains this time. It scatters to let them pass. And when they reach the trees of Aios, they see that they are different, too. Instead of the gold forest they are all used to, they find one full of blood-red trees.
Coming from someone who both saw and enjoyed the beautiful golden trees, seeing them turn the color of blood was indeed a shock. But they were still stunning, and I knew it heralded the changes yet to come.
When they stop to rest for the night, Delano begins howling, sensing Poppy’s distress, and Casteel has to wake her from what appears to be a nightmare, marveling at the connection she has to the wolven now.
When they reach the Temple of Saion, Casteel inquires if anyone knows that he’s having his father held. He’s told that his mother and the Crown Guards think Valyn is with them. He also learns that some Atlantians and mortals attempted to free Alastir and were dealt with, but some are still alive for the couple’s…enjoyment.
When they’re finally face-to-face with his father, Casteel and Poppy reveal that she’s not a vampry. When Valyn still admonishes his son for doing what he did, Casteel tells him that he knew what he was doing the entire time and would do it all over again, even if she had Ascended. He then adds that she is his everything and that nothing is greater than she is. They part ways, and the couple heads off to see to Alastir.
With absolutely no mercy, Casteel beheads all those who tried to set Alastir free, leaving only the wolven alive. Cas then tells Alastir that he betrayed both him and Atlantia, but stresses that those weren’t the worst of his sins. He then confronts him about that day so long ago when Alastir became the one responsible for Poppy’s nightmares and scars. Holding his sword to his neck, Casteel threatens him, ultimately wiping his blade on the man’s clothing and turning him over to Poppy so she can have her revenge.
She takes it. Gladly.
They arrive in Saion’s Cove to a large crowd heralding the return of their Prince. Cas apologizes to Poppy for overwhelming her but says there is no other way for them to get to Jasper’s. When the praise turns to Poppy, and the crowd starts cheering, “Meyaah Liessa,” calling her their Queen, he once again feels awe.
When they reach the stables and Casteel introduces Poppy as someone very special to him—his wife—the most extraordinary thing happens. All the wolven approach and shift, dropping to one knee with their hands over their hearts, their loyalty directed at Poppy.