“Listen Zeke, i have to go. There's something i have to do, someone i have to find. i owe him a lot, and he's in trouble now. i just wanted to say goodbye." Zeke slept on. i put my hand on his uninjured arm, squeezing gently. My eyes burned, but i ignored them. "you probably won't see me again," i murmured, feeling something hot slide down my cheek. "i got you here, like i promised i would. i wish... i wish i could've seen your Eden, but this place isn't for me. it never was. i have to find my own place in the world.”

“I got you here, like I promised I would. I wish...I wish I could've seen your Eden, but this place isn't for me. It never was. I have to find my own place in the world."Bending down, I brushed my lips to his. "Goodbye, Ezekiel,”

“The memory burned like bile in my stomach, and I closed my eyes, wishing it didn't have to be this way. I loved Puck like a brother and a best friend. And yet, during a very dark period when I was confused and lonely and hurt, my affection for him had led me to do something stupid, something I shouldn't have done. I knew he loved me, and the fact that I'd taken advantage of his feelings made me disgusted with myself. I wished I knew how to fix it, but the barely concealed pain in Puck's eyes told me no amount of words would make it better.”

“Ari...I will always love you. I always have.Nothing will change that." I squeezed her hand, then gently released it. "You'll always be a part of me. But...I'm not in love with you...anymore.And despite my promise,despite seeing you again, I do this because I want to be with Meghan, nothing else" Ariella's eyes glazed over, and I eased back, speaking as gently as I could "I can't be yours, Ariella. I'm sorry.”

“I’ve seen thousands of mortal girls,” he said softly, “morethan you could ever count, from all corners of your world. To me, they’re all the same.They see only this outer shell, not who I reallyam, beneath. You have. You’ve seen me without the glamour and the illusions, even the ones Ishow my family, the farce I maintain just to survive. You’ve seen who I really am, and yet,you’re still here. You’re here,and the only dance I want is this one.""For better or worse, I’m afraid you’re stuck with me now.""I plan to keep you, from everyone, for as long asI’m alive. That includes Puck, the false king, and anyone else who would take youaway. I guess I should’ve warned you that I have a slight possessivestreak."“My name is Ashallyn’darkmyr Tallyn, third son of the Unseelie Court. Let it be known—from this day forth, I vow to protect Meghan Chase,daughter of the Summer King, with my sword, my honor, and my life. Her desires aremine. Her wishes are mine. Should even the world stand against her, my blade will be ather side. And should it fail to protect her, let my own existence be forfeit. This I swear,on my honor, my True Name, and my life. From this day on…I am yours.”“My life…everything I am…belongs to you.”“I will always be your knight, Meghan Chase. And I swear, if there is a way for us to be together, I will find it. No matter how long it takes. If I have to chase your soul to the ends of eternity, I won’t stop until I find you, I promise.”

“I kissed him. His arms slid around me and drew me close, and we stayed like that for a while, my hands tangled in his hair, his cool lips on mine. My earlier thoughts in the crypt came back to haunt me, and I shoved them into the darkest corner of my mind. I would not give him up. I would find a way to have a happy ending, for both of us.”

“Where have you come from, traveler?”“I have come from the End of the World,” said a quiet voice that made my heart stop beating. “From the River of Dreams, through the gauntlet and the Briars and the Deep Wyld, in order to stand before you today. I have but one request—to take my place at your side. To resume my duty as your knight, and to protect you and your kingdom for as long as I draw breath.” He raised his head and pushed back the hood, and a gasp went around the throne room. “I am still yours, my queen,” Ash said, looking at me straight in the eye. “If you'll have me.”“You're here,” I murmured, reaching out to touch him, hardly believe this was real. “You came back.” Ash's breath hitched, and he put his hand over mine.“I came home.”