EMBER’S POV I can’t breathe. “The world has a sick sense of humour,” I get out. “The world has no sense of humour,” Silas corrects. “I’ll get it. Three days. Consider it the first thing your uncle ever did for you.” A pause, gruff. “It won’t be the last.” My heart warms. “But before you go, I’ll give you the one warning worth more than any of it. This wolf. This waking. You heard my sister — the strength you want is the thing that calls the whole East down on your head. So walk soft, girl. Whatever you become, become it slowly, and become it quietly. The brighter you burn, the more devils come out of the dark to circle the light. A queen felt you once, as a child, across the whole world. She’ll feel you again the day you finally reach that wolf. So choose that day carefully.” His eyes

