Kingdom of Ash

toward her. “You gave over those spiders for
his princesses, knowing what they’d endure,
knowing how it would feel to be trapped like
that, albeit in a different manner.” How, he
didn’t say. How could you do that, when you
knew that sort of terror?
Maeve fell silent for a moment, and he
could have sworn something like regret
passed over her face. “I would not have done
it, unless my need to prove my loyalty
compelled me.” Her attention drifted to where
Damaris hung at his side. “You do not wish to
verify my claim?”
Dorian didn’t touch the golden hilt. “Do
you want me to?”
She clicked her tongue. “You are different
indeed. I wonder if some of the Valg did cross
over when your father bred your mother.”
Dorian cringed. He still hadn’t dared to ask
Damaris about it—whether he was human.