“No, Violet.” He lifts both swords overhead, then slips them into the sheaths on the pack behind him with practiced expertise and a hint of a smirk. “Just you and me.” He’s gone before I can even think of a reply. With trembling hands, I unfold the paper – and smile. Xaden Riorson wrote me a letter.”

“No, Violet.” He lifts both swords overhead, then slips them into the sheaths on the pack behind him with practiced expertise and a hint of a smirk. “Just you and me.” He’s gone before I can even think of a reply. With trembling hands, I unfold the paper – and smile. Xaden Riorson wrote me a letter.”

— Rebecca Yarros