Page 47 of Of Rime and Ruin
“Need some help?” he said, offering his knife.
I nodded. “It won’t crack.”
When I reached for the knife, he moved it out of the way. “I don’t work for free,” he said, grinning. “I’ll do it if you marry me.”
I wanted the milk inside that nut. My thirst was burning my throat. So I did the logical thing and said yes. He laughed and called his friend over to marry us beneath the tree. And when he kissed me, it tasted like the sun.
The Beast’s eyes grow large, searching my face in the dark. His claw brushes his bottom lip.Like the sun.
Yes. It was nice, as far as first kisses go. I’ve had better, but I’ll spare you the details.
His mind tugs at my thoughts, pulling for more.
No! No more. You’ll have to bring me those books first.
I brought books. Sunfish asked.He eyes the stack of books in my cage.Not good enough?
My heart sinks. Have I offended him? Shit.No, no, these are fine. I mean for next time.
Next time, he repeats. His brow furrows, one side lifting. His mouth curls. Is that a… smirk?
Chapter twenty
Beast
Sunfishwantskissingbooks.
I will find them for her.
How hard could it be?
I know a cave full of books.
Scattered, shattered, broken, some of them. But still many books in there.
I squeeze through the opening.
My body is large, and the ice creaks, but I fit.
Inside, pillars of ice. From floor to ceiling high above. Each pillar carved with shelves.
Most empty. Most books have been taken by now.
But not all.
I pick up the first tablet I find.
Tap the stone.
Gently, with my knuckle.
Wait.
The image plays.
No kissing.
I toss it.
