𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏 • 𝕀𝕘𝕟𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝔹𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕤

A year after Alina Starkov tears down the Shadow Fold, she is finally able to settle into her peaceful life. There is no more war with Ravka. The Darkling, once her enemy, is now a loyal, protective husband, and a father to their adoptive daughter, Amelia. But all things must end. The Sun Summoner learns that a time of peace can become a time of chaos and upheaval in the blink of an eye. As quickly as one war ends, another can emerge. Alina must protect her country as Queen while making sure that the Darkling doesn't revert to his old villainous self, or else all they have built will come crashing down.

This is a sequel to The True Saint, but can be read separately.

The world is based off of the Shadow & Bone Netflix series/ books by Leigh Bardugo.
Book cover art by: misticarts on tumblr
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|PREVIEW|
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The Darkling raises his hand in a motion I know all too well. Behind him, a monster ten feet tall, made of shadow, forms in a menacing stance, ready to carry out his silent orders. I thought I had seen the last of his nichevo'ya a long time ago when we were on opposing sides of the war.

I shake my head. "No. No, what are you doing? Wait!"

I send the Cut barrelling at the monster. It dissociates into nothing only for another one to take its place. Again, I send the Cut through the abomination, but it was only a diversion. Another one forms behind me, capturing my arms to prevent me from summoning. It holds me above the ground. I kick and scream, but it covers my mouth with its long, slender arm, the other holding me securely to its chest.

My breath is labored as I use all of my strength to fight it. It is futile. The Darkling approaches me, stroking his fingers across my cheek as a way to comfort me. It is hard, however, to comfort someone if you are the cause of the distress.

"I will do anything in my power to protect you, my Dear Alina. Anything."