The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

Relief warred with disappointment so potent that it felt
like I’d taken the dagger and used it on myself. However, I
would rather carry the guilt of allowing my brother to
continue on this way than shoulder the regret of causing
countless people to lose their lives.
“It’s okay,” I told Casteel as I stepped forward. “He
won’t hurt me.”
Ian frowned slightly, but I hoped Casteel understood
what I said. Wariness throbbed from all those behind me,
and I swore the wolven dagger did the same. But I ignored
both things as I stopped in front of Ian. He didn’t smell like
the sea and sun anymore. Instead, I caught the floral musk
of an expensive cologne. Ian’s skin was cold, even through
his shirt, and it all felt wrong as he folded me in his arms. I
closed my eyes and let myself imagine just for a second
that this was the Ian I remembered—that I was hugging my
brother, and he was okay.
“Poppy, listen to me,” he whispered, and my eyes
opened. “I know the truth. Wake Nyktos. Only his guards can
stop the Blood Crown.”