“Of course,” I answered, opening my eyes and looking at him-memorizing the way the faint light danced along his naked form. “Are you listening?” he asked in a humored manner. Whether we stayed in Sparta or went off to war, he would be with me, and that thought over-shadowed anything else.

Somehow, he had mended the broken fragments of my mind with one gentle embrace.

But then he lay down behind me and pulled me into his arms, and any complaints vanished from my lips. One injury and I was suddenly a damsel in need of saving.

I growled in the back of my throat as the realization struck that from that moment forth, he’d be even more protective. His lips tasted of salt from my tears, but neither of us seemed to mind. We kissed then, letting our oath circle around us and settle in our hearts. “I do not fear death because I’m afraid of dying, Ery… I fear it because it would take me from you.” ” I would kill any man, go any distance, and burn the whole world down if it meant keeping you safe.” “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” he whispered, pressing his forehead to mine. He cupped my cheek, and I leaned into the warmth of his touch. But mostly… I see my truest companion.”Įryx watched me with a slightly narrowed brow. I see an intelligent mind who ponders what makes the sky blue and where the sun goes at night. Someone who likes to watch the birds fly in the sky, wondering where they go… wondering what it’s like to soar amongst the clouds. “I see someone who is kind and sho stops to see the beauty of the world. He pressed his forehead to mine, still loosely holding my chin. In times of war, all men were put to the test, but the greatest challenge for us was not one of swords and spears, but of the heart. The only life for a Spartan was one of battle and brutality with no guarantee of tomorrow. However, there was no place for love in Sparta. Fighting side by side with him, we were invincible. He was the very air I breathed and the water that sustained me. Ruthless.īut, I craved something greater-a life I could never have.Īgainst all odds, and the toughest training a warrior could endure, I found an unexpected love in the arms of a fellow Spartan. My harsh upbringing stripped me of my weaknesses and forced me to become strong. At age seven, I left home to train with other boys where we were taught obedience, solidarity, military strategy, and how to withstand pain. I am Axios of Sparta, and I was born to kill. What I #amreading: Axios: A Spartan Tale by Jaclyn Osborn Note: Although I will try to avoid them, my weekly reading snippets may or may not contain spoilers, so read at your own risk. Amazon: Kindle (KU) | Audiobook | Paperback

Axios by Jaclyn Osborn