Kingdom of Ash

Fenrys and Lorcan, a tentative peace
between them, also now bore the tattoo—had
demanded one as soon as they’d caught wind
of what Rowan planned to do.
Aedion, however, had asked Rowan for a
different design. To add Gavriel’s name to the
Terrasen knot already inked over his heart.
Aedion had been quiet while Rowan had
worked—quiet enough that Rowan had begun
telling him the stories. Story after story about
the Lion. The adventures they’d shared, the
lands they’d seen, the wars they’d waged.
Aedion hadn’t spoken while Rowan had talked
and worked, the scent of his grief conveying
enough.
It was a scent that would likely linger for
many months to come.
Aelin let out a long sigh. “Will you let me
cry in bed for the rest of today like a pathetic
worm,” she asked at last, “if I promise to get