I twisted at the waist, pulling the dull bone chain tight across its throat, ending the Craven’s screams. Shaking the Craven free, I dragged the short chain over the thing’s neck as I crossed my feet. I would spend an eternity taking these bites if that meant she was safe. Air hissed between my gritted teeth as fiery pain burned its way up my leg. Its teeth tore through the breeches and into flesh and muscle. Lips torn and mangled- The Craven twisted its head down, sinking its fangs into my calf. One entire cheekbone was exposed, eyes burning like hot coals. Patches of gray flesh clung to its hairless skull, and half of its nose was gone. Planting my bare feet into the creature’s shoulders, I got a good, most unfortunate look at the thing as its foul breath blasted me in the face. The length of the chain between my ankles was only about half a foot, and the shackles wouldn’t give an inch, but it was enough. I waited until its stench of decay reached me and then pressed my back against the wall, lifting my legs. “Mother-” The thing exploded out of the archway, scurrying forward, its keening moan becoming an ear-piercing screech. A low-pitched wail came from the creature. The damn stone was unbreakable, but it did come in handy.

The smooth bands of shadowstone tightened around my throat and ankles as I shifted, bracing myself. It halted, sniffing as loudly as a godsdamn barrat, scenting blood. The click and drag of claws drew closer as the weak flame above the lone candle sputtered and then went out, pitching the cell into darkness.Ī thicker mass of shadows appeared in the open archway-a misshapen form on its hands and knees. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to be-what she fears the most.Īs the Harbinger of Death and Destruction. Ancient primal powers have already stirred, revealing the horror of what began eons ago. Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dear-to protect those who cannot defend themselves. Not if she has any hope of building a future where both kingdoms can reside in peace. With the strength of the Primal of Life’s guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her way-because there can be no retreat this time. Nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King and destroying everything the Blood Crown stands for. The magnitude of what the Blood Queen has done is almost unthinkable. Casteel Da’Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could’ve prepared for the staggering revelations.

From blood to ash series