No part of me trusted him. “I am curious to know what exactly has them so bothered.”

  “Really?” Aydun replied dryly. “You leveled Pensdurth.” When I didn’t respond, he took a step toward the foot of the dais. “And then destroyed a large portion of the Blood Forest.”

  “Is that a bad thing?”

  “Are you asking for our personal or professional opinion?” Kyriel asked.

  “Honestly, neither,” I replied. “I really don’t care.”

  “Personally, I don’t think either is bad,” Aydun answered anyway. “Professionally, I believe your actions are a reason for concern.”

  “What part of I don’t care don’t you understand?”

  “Your inability to control your powers when angry will result in tragedy,” Kyriel picked up the conversation thread when Aydun snapped his jaw shut. “Something many of us have had to learn the hard way.”

  “Well, that’s…sad for whoever had to learn that.” I shifted, lowering my boot to the floor. “However, I wasn’t out of control.”

  Aydun’s head tilted back as if that might help him process what I had just said. “Have you looked around yourself recently? What about the homes you can now easily see from the courtyard because you destroyed the walls?”

  My thumb stilled. “I wanted to level Pensdurth, and those homes you speak of were either vacant or occupied by Ascended who fed on cruelty.”

  “And what about the Blood Forest?” he challenged. “The wall?”

  “Unintended consequences,” I said with a lift of one shoulder. “If I were out of control, you would not be standing here.”

  Tension bracketed Aydun’s mouth. A moment passed, and then Kyriel spoke. “And what about the Revenant?”

  My thumb pressed into the arm of the throne. “Which Revenant?”

  He laughed. “As if you don’t know. But in case you need your memory refreshed, the one who is technically your wife’s brother.”

  Eather stirred within me, and it took a hell of a lot of willpower to prove that I was capable of controlling myself.

  Especially since this Kyriel seemed determined to break that control. “The one her sister and your brother are currently hiding from you.”

  “He’s different,” I gritted out.

  Aydun huffed. “Be that as it may, you cannot deny that there is a reason to be concerned.”

  “I don’t deny shit that isn’t worthy of considering,” I spat. “I may have been reckless in my choices in my youth, and I may be known for impulsive…violence.”

  He snorted.

  “But contrary to an unfortunately popular belief, I am not prone to being out of control,” I told him. “What I do, I do because I choose to. Not because my emotions overrule me.”

  “Unless it comes to her,” he countered softly.

  I went incredibly still as I locked eyes with the Arae. Several moments passed in silence. I waited for him to say that she obviously thought as he did, while waiting for either of them to thrust that verbal dagger through my heart.

  He didn’t.

  Instead, Kyriel said something so off topic that I wanted to toss his ass back to Mount Lotho.

  “Heartmates.”

  I briefly closed my eyes. Aydun had done this when we’d last met—throwing out a word like he was answering a question only he was privy to. Apparently, it was a trait of theirs. Opening my eyes, I took a slow, long breath. “And?”

  “They’re destined to bring about great change,” he said. “Seen in the dreams of the Great Creators from millennia ago.”

  My brows rose. “You’re telling me that the Ancients dreamt of all the heartmates all that time ago?”

  “The Ancients saw everything, Casteel. That didn’t mean they always understood what they saw. Nor…” His pause was quite dramatic. “Does it mean that what is born of the union of two hearts is always good.”

  The blood in my veins froze. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  Kyriel’s head tilted. “It means sacrifices must be made.”

  “What sacrifices?” For the first time since I’d faced Kolis in this very space, my heart lurched. “And cut the bullshit. I want a straight answer.”

  “Don’t we all?” Aydun said, having picked up a vine as he glanced toward Kyriel. A shadow of something I couldn’t read flickered across his features. “The love between mates of the heart is incredibly strong. All-consuming. Inevitable. There is strength in that.”

  “But there is also weakness,” Kyriel asserted. “It is believed that not even death can sever that type of bond.”

  Aydun dropped the vine.

  “And?” I asked, voice thinning with impatience.

  A flicker of a smile crossed Kyriel’s lips. “And, in a way, that is true. But it is also false.”

  This conversation was proof that I had more control than anyone gave me credit for, because the effort it was taking for me to wait for this fuck to get to the point was inconceivable.

  “The death of an unbroken mate bond cannot sever that connection. The souls will reunite,” Kyriel said after what felt like five minutes. “But that bond can be broken at any point, no matter the…insinuating circumstances.”

  Based on the grin Aydun wore when his buddy said that last part, I had a feeling he was referring to the Joining.

  “Just as your people seal your vows of union,” Kyriel continued, “it can be rejected by one or both.”

  “Is there a reason you’re telling me this?” I questioned.

  Aydun, shockingly silent, raised a brow.

  “I’m telling you this because it’s something you should know,” Kyriel told me.

  “Why?” The tips of my fingers prickled and burned. “I would never reject her, nor would she reject me.”

  Kyriel was quiet for a heartbeat. “Would you believe the same if you knew your union meant untold lives would be lost and the realm would be left in ruin?” The flecks of color in his eyes churned. “Would she?”

  The beat of my heart stuttered. She…she was better than me. Good to the fucking core in a limitless way I didn’t possess. But…

  But there wasn’t a single part of me that doubted what she would be willing to do, willing to sacrifice for me. For our love. That was never something I questioned.

  I met Kyriel’s stare. “I’m going to ask once more. Why are you here, telling me this shit?”

  “As I said, it’s something that’s good to know.” He shrugged.

  I stared at him, having no idea if there was some sort of hidden message in the shit he’d just spewed or if he was merely messing with my head.

  I had a feeling it could be either-or with any of the Fates.

  My gaze shifted to Aydun as he turned at the waist. He scanned the Hall until his stare halted. I followed his gaze. Tension gripped the muscles along my shoulders. To someone else, it may have looked like he was simply staring at the mass of vines twisted on the floor, but I knew the exact spot he looked at.

  It was where what remained of my father had fallen.

  Aydun faced me. “I am sorry for your losses.”

  My head tilted at the genuineness in his tone, but I said nothing since there was nothing to be said.

  “Well.” Aydun clapped his hands. “We should be going.”

  “For once, I agree with you.”

  Aydun pressed his hand to his heart as if wounded as he turned away. “By the way.” He stopped. “The realm is growing more imbalanced. The changes will be irreversible the longer you and Kolis remain in the realm.”

  “I’m working on that.”

  Aydun eyed me for a moment. “Good.”

  He turned, but Kyriel hadn’t moved. He remained staring up at me. Because, of course, he did. “I almost forgot.”

  I sighed heavily. Several of the ravens responded with calls that carried a sharp metallic note.

  “You still make reckless choices,” Kyriel announced. “Attempting to enter Iliseeum is one of them.”

  One side of my lips curved up. “I don’t consider that reckless at all.”

  “Of course you wouldn’t,” he retorted dryly. “But Nyktos does. As does the Queen of the Gods.”

  “And I’m sure you can guess what I think of that.”

  “Unfortunately,” Kyriel remarked.

  “Good,” I echoed, then waited for him to move. When he did, I spoke again. “You might want to pass this message along to the necessary parties.”

  Aydun’s eyes narrowed as he glanced between Kyriel and me. “Why do I have a feeling this will be a message that won’t be well-received?”

  My smirk grew. “Nothing and no one, not a Primal of Death nor the Queen of the Gods herself, nor any so-called Fates can stop me. If need be, I will go through any who stands in my way.” I let silence fall for a few seconds to give that promise time to etch those words into their bones. “I will get to her.”

  THE THRONE OF BONE AND ASH

  Blood and Ash, Book 7

  By Jennifer L. Armentrout

  Poppy and Casteel’s journey has led them to the edge, and the stakes are higher than ever in the final chapter.

  With Kolis’s dark power growing, threatening everything they hold dear, and the Fates weaving their twisted threads, nothing is as it once was—and nothing will ever be the same.

  Because the prophecy has unfolded. A new god has risen, unleashing death and destruction, and everyone involved will be tested in ways they never imagined…

  THE OFFICIAL BLOOD AND ASH COLORING BOOK

  By Jennifer L. Armentrout

  Click here to purchase.

  Bring the world of Blood and Ash to life—your way.

  From the desperation of golden crowns to the awakening of the Harbinger and the Bringer of Death and Destruction, this official coloring book invites you to journey through the captivating epic that began with a Maiden and a golden-eyed guard.

  Featuring over 50 stunning original illustrations inspired by the New York Times bestselling Blood and Ash series, this immersive collection captures the heart-pounding romance, fierce battles, and unforgettable characters that have enchanted readers far and wide.

  From stolen moments beneath a willow tree to vows forged in fire, step into the world of Poppy, Casteel, Kieran, and more as you reimagine iconic scenes from across the novels—and discover a few surprises along the way.

  Whether you’re a devoted fan or a newcomer to the realms, this coloring book is the perfect companion for those who dare to rise from blood and ash.

  DISCOVER THE FLESH AND FIRE SERIES

  BY JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT

  A Shadow in the Ember

  Flesh and Fire Series, Book One

  Click here to purchase.

  #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns with book one of the all-new, compelling Flesh and Fire series—set in the beloved Blood and Ash world.

  Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.

  However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot.

  Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

  A Light in the Flame

  Flesh and Fire Series. Book Two

  Click here to purchase.

  The only one who can save Sera now is the one she spent her life planning to kill.

  The truth about Sera’s plan is out, shattering the fragile trust forged between her and Nyktos. Surrounded by those distrustful of her, all Sera has is her duty. She will do anything to end Kolis, the false King of Gods, and his tyrannical rule of Iliseeum, thus stopping the threat he poses to the mortal realm.

  Nyktos has a plan, though, and as they work together, the last thing they need is the undeniable, scorching passion that continues to ignite between them. Sera cannot afford to fall for the tortured Primal, not when a life no longer bound to a destiny she never wanted is more attainable than ever. But memories of their shared pleasure and unrivaled desire are a siren’s call impossible to resist.

  And as Sera begins to realize that she wants to be more than a Consort in name only, the danger surrounding them intensifies. The attacks on the Shadowlands are increasing, and when Kolis summons them to Court, a whole new risk becomes apparent. The Primal power of Life is growing inside her, pushing her closer to the end of her Culling. And without Nyktos’s love—an emotion he’s incapable of feeling—she won’t survive her Ascension. That is if she even makes it to her Ascension and Kolis doesn’t get to her first. Because time is running out. For both her and the realms.

  A Fire in the Flesh

  Flesh and Fire Series

  Book Three

  Click here to purchase.

  The only thing that can save the realms now is the one thing more powerful than the Fates.

  After a startling betrayal ends with both Sera and the dangerously seductive ruler of the Shadowlands she has fallen madly in love with being held captive by the false King of the Gods, there is only one thing that can free Nyktos and prevent the forces of the Shadowlands from invading Dalos and igniting a War of Primals.

  Convincing Kolis won’t be easy, though – not even with a lifetime of training. While his most favored Revenant is insistent that she is nothing more than a lie, Kolis’s erratic nature and twisted sense of honor leave her shaken to the core, and nothing could’ve prepared her for the cruelty of his Court or the shocking truths revealed. The revelations not only upend what she has understood about her duty and the very creation of the realms but also draw into question exactly what the true threat is. However, surviving Kolis is only one part of the battle. The Ascension is upon her, and Sera is out of time.

  But Nyktos will do anything to keep Sera alive and give her the life she deserves. He’ll even risk the utter destruction of the realms, and that’s exactly what will happen if he doesn’t Ascend as the Primal of Life. Yet despite his desperate determination, their destinies may be out of their hands.

  Born of Blood and Ash

  Flesh and Fire Series

  Book Four

  Click here to purchase.

  The line between love and obsession has never been wider.

  While Sera is finally free of Kolis and back with those she loves, not everything is calm. Memories of all she’s endured still haunt her, but Sera finally has hope for a future with the other half of her heart and soul. Nyktos desires, loves, and accepts every part of her—even the monstrous bits she still battles.

  More than ever, Sera and Ash have everything under the realms to fight for, and Nyktos has no doubt Sera is fit to be the Queen of the Gods. But she must find that faith within herself if they hope to convince the other Courts to support them against Kolis and make Iliseeum and the mortal realm better, safer places for all.

  But as Sera begins to piece together the importance of her bloodline and the true meaning behind the foreboding prophecy, it becomes clear that everything that has happened and is yet to come is much bigger than Kolis and his dark obsessions.

  They cannot help but wonder exactly how much influence the Fates have had and what their ultimate goal is. What Sera does know for sure is that they can trust very few—including her.

  A battle between the gods is brewing, and heartbreaking losses are imminent with the true Primal of Death strengthening. With a family of the heart willing to battle by their side, can Sera and Nyktos stop Kolis before he destroys the realms, or will it all disappear in a fiery inferno of blood and ash?

  And the line between justice and vengeance has never been so thin.

  VISIONS OF FLESH AND BLOOD

  A Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire Compendium

  Available in hardcover and e-book.

  Click here to purchase.

  For fans of the Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire series, here's an excerpt of VISIONS OF FLESH AND BLOOD the comprehensive companion guide for series' background, history, reader-favorite information, art, and reference materials. Combined with original short stories and scenes from some of the world’s most beloved characters, as well as never-before-seen visual enticements, it’s a treat for the senses.

  Told from the point of view of Miss Willa herself, the compendium acts like research material but reads like a journal and cache of personal notes, allowing the reader to revisit the characters and history they so love yet view things in a different way.

  Here's the special excerpt to whet your appetite.

  THE KING AND I

  Dearest Diary,

  I have just arrived back home after some time away, indulging my wandering spirit and restless soul. As you know, I often take off for parts yet unknown in my quest for life. This time was no exception, and I have certainly returned with memories I will carry with me and an encounter I cannot wait to capture within these pages.

  As I have done in the past, I rode off with merely a direction in mind, letting the Fates guide my travels and experiences. When I eventually reached the forest outside Oak Ambler, I looked for a place to rest, having been traveling for several days by that time. Lucky for me, I came upon a more than adequate hunting cabin. Even luckier for me, the door was not barred.

  Seeing as I didn’t know the state of the flue in the fireplace, I decided to forgo setting a blaze in the hearth and instead contented myself with getting heat from the many candles I found situated around the space.