Page 181 of Glow of the Everflame

It was no longer a conscious choice, but a reflex, a raw act of survival. Because if I truly gave in and walked into that inferno, I wasn’t sure I would ever walk back out.

“Diem?”

“Yes?”

“We’re friends, aren’t we?”

I cringed at the realization I’d pushed him so far away that he doubted even that.

I squeezed his hand. “Of course we are. You mean a great deal to me, Taran.”

“Then can I ask you a serious question?”

“Sure.” I looked over and forced out a supportive smile. “Ask me anything.”

“When are you and Luther going to put all of us out of our misery and fuck each other already?”

“Taran,” I choked.

“Descended men are bigger than mortal men, you know. Ineveryway. One night with Lu, and you’d forget that mortal’s name. Shit, you’d forget your own name.”

He roared with laughter as I yanked my hand out of his and punched him hard in the side, my entire face going cherry red. “Is this another of your attempts to piss me off?”

“Maybe,” he admitted, grinning. I tried to move away and he grabbed me around the waist, hauling me back. “I’d still like an answer, though.”

“Taran,” I warned. “I’m betrothed.”

He rolled his eyes. “Yes, to a man who couldn’t be bothered to attend your father’s funeral on time. Then when he finally arrived, he looked at you like you killed his favorite hound, even thoughyouwere the one grieving. A man who apparently only wants to marry you to be King, from what you said at the ball.”

“It’s complicated. And it’s none of your business.”

“Listen, I’m sure he’s a very nice person... well, I’m surehethinks he’s a very nice person... but you can’t really believe he’s a better man than Luther.”

I worked my jaw but said nothing.

“Luther would throw himself on a sword for you. He would risk everything to protect you.”

“He would do that for you, too. Or Alixe, or Eleanor, or Lily.”

“Well, yes, he would, but we—”

“And for that matter, he would do those things for a complete stranger.”

“Yes, true, but—”

“In fact, he already has done those things for strangers. Many times.”

“If you could stop being logical for one minute—”

“You don’t have to convince me Luther is a good man, Taran. I know that already.”

“No, Diem, I don’t think you do. Not really.”

Taran’s tone had gone unusually serious. When I looked at him, there was a softness to his eyes, a profound gravity I didn’t often see.

“He’s the best man I know—the best man I’ve ever known. And for all those years, he’s never put himself first, not even once. Every single thing he does is to help someone else. I could give you enough stories to last a lifetime. People he’s helped out of bad situations, children whose lives he sav—”

Taran stopped, catching himself. His eyes filled with panic as they met mine.

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