When powerful witch Marithyda Skyelorn becomes a participant of the Royal Exposition, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with the Prince--or to be the cause of his death. ***** Every year, the kingdom of Karvoth hosts the Royal Exposition: a corrupt carnival where a race of citizens who possess powerful magic, known as the Touched, are exploited for the enjoyment of nobles. But when Marithyda Skyelorn's grand performance ends in tragedy and pits her against the deranged King, she must make the impossible choice between remaining in exile and participating again in the dangerous competition that ruined her life--to end it once and for all. (Book One of the Skyelorn Chronicles trilogy) [[2020 Watty's winner, Fantasy]] Content and/or Trigger Warning: Some scenes contain violence that may upset sensitive readers [[Word Count: 50,000-60,000]]

"One kiss won't hurt, right? Just one, I promise" He whispered holding my face. "It's wrong" I said. I knew I was just lying to myself. "I've waited so long for one kiss" He whispered his lips a breath away from mine. "When you left I thought I meant nothing to you. You can't do this to me now" I said feeling vulnerable. "I'll show you just how much you mean to me"

"I could've killed you right in the moment but when I looked into these sparkling green eyes I knew I would be losing the light of my life if I did" I wanted to feel scared but I couldn't. I felt safe instead. I'm so stupid and naive. "And in this dark life I'm living I need some light Aria, I know I'm being an selfish bastard and putting you in danger, but please stay with me and I'll give you everything you want and protect you with my life" "I can't-" "Please save me Aria" I could swear I saw a tear escaping his eye before he cupped my face and smashed his lips on mine. THIS IS NOT THE SAME ALEX AS ARES' SON

"Look at me" He demanded. I flinched at the tone he used but lifted my head to look at him. I stared at the wall behind him. I couldn't look at him. "Into my eyes" He added in the same tone. I took a deep breath and landed my gaze on him. I saw a ghost of a smile form on his lips. He seemed happy but I could see his eyes watering, making his inky blue eye color appear lighter. "You never look at me" He whispered. I could hear a crack in his voice. "Before you I thought I was nothing-" He smiled bitterly, "-but when you look at me I feel like I'm worth something. Weird right?" My heart was beating loudly as he got closer. This is a spin off for Nate from 'Her Guardian'. It can be read as a stand alone but you can read the previous book if you want to get a better understanding of the story

"What is it?" I asked. "I want you" He said making me widen my eyes. He looked into my eyes and then back to my lips, "Can I kiss you just one last time?" We were both so sure about breaking up one minute and the next we were acting like we never said those words. How will this work out? "Yes" I mumbled. He didn't waste a second and pressed his soft lips on mine. He held my face as he started kissing me urgently.

"Don't touch me" He said through gritted teeth, "I don't know what I'll do if you touch me" My heart dropped. "I don't want to see you like this" I frowned and hesitantly tried to touch his shoulder, but he grabbed my hand tightly but gently. "Fuck it" He murmured as he held my jaw and pressed his lips on mine. (The guy is 22 and the girl is 17 a few months away from 18. If you're bothered by that please don't read it.)