Book 2: Beautiful

Estrella

Tess laughs and pats my arm. “Now, you’ve shown everyone the real abilities of Sundrop.”

“The real abilities to stumble all over each other?” I smile.

“Excuse me,” someone says behind me.

I don’t know who I think I’m kidding. I recognize Anwen’s voice instantly, and even if I didn’t, Tess’s smile freezes on her face in a way that means it can only be him. I turn slowly.

My breath catches. In Sundrop, he would stick out like a sore thumb, but amidst the dour colors of Dun’s Crossing, Anwen’s all-black outfit is striking. It makes his pale features seem so much paler, like he’s something plucked from the pages of a storybook rather than a real man standing in front of me.

“I’m glad to see you’ve learned some manners,” I say, praying he can’t hear the slight breathlessness to my voice.

Tess’s grip on my arm tightens.

“Don’t get used to it.” He smiles teasingly.

Who is this man, and what has he done with the