Page 1 of A Spell of Bones and Madness (Nostos #2)

Ander

Y ou left.

You left and I cannot see—not without the light that radiates off you.

You left and I cannot breathe—not without the lingering scent of you crushing my soul.

You left and I cannot sleep—not without dreaming about stopping you.

You left.

You left.

You left.

I never left.

Starling,

Every moment was real.

You were everything.

You will always be everything.

For you, I am just Ander.

Starling,

It has been a week and still I cannot believe you are no longer here.

I became used to your unending smile, your spark, and, yes—even the bothersome way you would try to argue with me.

I know I should have been honest. I should have told you who I was, but if I did, would you have understood?

Would you have accepted me as I am, the Prince of Nexos, the man you thought for so long was the enemy?

I guess it doesn’t matter now. You have made your choice.

Forever sorry. Forever yours.

-Ander

Starling,

I understand that you are angry—gods, I am angry at myself as well.

But tell me a time when you didn’t feel some sort of loathing toward me.

Did you not curse my name and place a dagger to my throat that first day aboard The Nostos?

Did you not threaten to jump off the ship if I made you eat with me one more time?

Look at how far we have come, how much your feelings have changed toward me—the affection and, dare I say, love that might have been if you let me explain.

I am sorry. I know that it is my fault, but could you not find it in your heart to forgive once again?

To pretend, even? Pretend I am that boy on the shores of Alentus once more.

Pretend I am just the farmer in the woods.

-Ander

Starling,

I beg you, talk to me.

-Ander

Starling,

They are coming. You need to get out. Take your sister and get out. Promise that even if you hate me you will do this .

-Ander

Aikaterine,

Maybe I cannot call you Starling anymore, but I beg you, listen to me. Leave Alentus. You are not safe.

-Ander

Aikaterine,

This is the last time I will plead with you—get out. Save who you can, but above all else, save yourself. If I do not hear from you, I will come. You may not want me, but I will come anyway.

I love you.

No matter what you say, I will always love you.

-Ander

Aikaterine,

The Nostos has set sail for Alentus. We will be swift over the waters, I will make sure of it. If you get this before I see you—because I will see you—find Ajax. He will help you and your sister get to port. He will protect you. He is not one of them.

Still forever sorry. Still forever yours.

-Ander