Thirty-One
VIOLET
I kneel beside my dying husband as the world falls apart around me. Violent wind, shuddering thunder, sea spray flying over the edge of the island, and a great rip in the sky—but I have eyes for none of it. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” They’re the only words I can whisper, over and over again. My blood-covered hands move to either side of Ryn’s face, pouring out as much magic as I can. I should never have left him. I should never have gone after that despicable murderer Zed. Fight for everything you still have and not for what you’ve lost. That’s what Nate—Chase—said earlier. And he would know, wouldn’t he? He watched his parents die. He let the desire for revenge consume him. Just as I was about to let it consume me. Even now, recognizing just how destructive a p
