Heather Walter

Would that it could.

There’s nothing for me here. I’m tired of being a villain.”

“You were never a villain to me.”

“You’re the first and last person I’ve ever wanted.”

Find us. My heart thumps.

“Tonight”—she pulls me close, whispers in my ear—“is only ours.”

A prisoner in a lovely cage

Are you frightened?” she asks.

Yes. Completely. But not of her. I’m frightened of this feeling that consumes me and promises to rip free of my body and set the entire palace ablaze. Of the way I want to taste every part of her. Devour her whole

I want all the time I can have with her—even if it’s not much.”

There is no one but myself.

I want to go to her. Comfort her. And I hate myself for it.

“Do you really want to leave me?”

No, my heart answers.