Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 231436 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1157(@200wpm)___ 926(@250wpm)___ 771(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 231436 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1157(@200wpm)___ 926(@250wpm)___ 771(@300wpm)
As I looked up, I caught sight of someone coming down the hall, beige-brown skin almost glowing in the light of the sconces, blue eyes flashing with mirth as he looked at me and gave me a crooked smile and a tip of his head before continuing on and knocking on the sixth door on the left.
Vikter slid from me and placed a kiss in the center of my back before I felt him use something to clean me and then set my skirts to rights. He turned me to face him. When I looked up into his roughly handsome visage, I saw satisfaction there. Relaxation. I asked him how his headache was, and he just laughed, the rumbly sound settling somewhere deep in my belly, causing sensations I didn’t know how I could still feel.
He helped me right the top half of my gown, and I helped him clean up, do up his breeches, and re-don his tunic. He kept the vest in his hand—that would definitely need to be laundered, and I almost chuckled aloud at what those who took care of it would think.
When we were both put back together, I peered over the end of the roof and found a group of smiling people staring up. They waved and hooted, smiling goofily, one couple clearly needing to come in and get a room before guards seized them for public indecency—something I should have probably been more worried about.
Vikter went through the window and then helped me through, picking me up from the table as if I weighed nothing and setting me before him. He simply stared into my eyes for a beat before pinching my chin in his thumb and forefinger and tipping my head so he could take my lips in a languorous kiss. He placed one last peck on my mouth, caressed my cheek with the backs of his knuckles, and then backed away before turning on his heel and heading down the stairs without a word.
I took a deep breath and leaned against the table behind me, listening to his footfalls, my gaze tracking his departure and reliving what had just happened and what I’d uncovered tonight.
Vikter Wardwell, a Royal Guard, was also a viktor, an eternal being born with a goal: to guard someone the Fates believe is destined to bring about great change or purpose. But from what I saw, he was also…different. And I couldn’t wait to find out more.
That’s right, dear diary… Vikter is a viktor, the very first, in fact, chosen and commanded by the Fates. But here’s the kicker. Most viktors don’t know anything about their previous lives or exactly why they are where they are in this one. But given what I saw this night, Vikter is different. He remembers. And he knows. And there seems to be even more to that story besides.
Which makes me wonder what is to come for our dear Penellaphe Balfour. I’m sure it’s even greater than what I’ve seen.
KNOWN WOLVEN
Much before my time, the kiyou wolves were given mortal form to serve as guides and protectors to the children of the gods. Strong and loyal, they hold a high place in society because they were chosen by the gods themselves. Several wolven have played a role in the story that has unfolded, particularly as it pertains to the tale of Poppy and Casteel. I wanted to record them in one place in case the information was ever needed.
Click here to see a full-size image of some wolven by Jemlin C.
ALASTIR DAVENWELL †
[see Alastir’s file for additional information]
Hair: Long, sandy-blond.
Eyes: Pale blue.
Body type: Broad-shouldered.
Facial features: Ruggedly handsome.
Distinguishing features: Deep groove scar in the center of his forehead.
Other: Raspy voice. At least eight hundred years old but looks in his forties.
Personality: Not prone to violence. A bit of an alarmist.
Habits/Mannerisms/Strengths/Weaknesses: Incredibly loyal to his kingdom.
Background: Was King Malec’s bonded wolven but has been unable to shift since their bond broke. King Valyn and Queen Eloana’s Advisor to the Crown. After he betrays Cas by kidnapping Poppy, Poppy kills him by slitting his throat.
Family: Daughter = Shea †. Niece = Gianna. Great-nephew = Beckett †.
ARDEN †
Eyes: Vibrant blue.
Preternatural appearance: Silver and white fur.
Other: Imprint is like the salty sea.
Background: Was one of Poppy’s main guards. Dies in an underground chamber full of Craven.
BECKETT DAVENWELL †
Hair: Black.
Eyes: Winter-blue.
Body type: Body of a thirteen-year-old boy.
Facial features: Tan skin.
Preternatural appearance: Black fur.
Personality: Energetic. Excitable.
Habits/Mannerisms/Strengths/Weaknesses: Has a habit of not watching where he’s going. Loves to chase leaves and butterflies while in wolven form.
Background: Killed by Jansen so the changeling could take his place.
Family: Alastir is his great-uncle. Shea and Gianna are his cousins.
COULTON
Hair: Bald.
Eyes: Winter-blue.
Facial features: Olive skin tone.
Other: Older.
Background: Works at the stables in Spessa’s End.
DELANO AMICU
[See Delano’s file for additional information]
Hair: White-blond.
Eyes: Pale, wintery blue.