Malice

Our world, like Alyce’s, is a lonely place when we feel there is no one like us.

Our wings were clipped, but we’re flying anyway, two birds freed from our cages. Untethered.

Calling me all manner of names, so familiar to me now that they might as well be mine: Mongrel. Beast. Abomination. They burrow under my skin and spread their roots, sprouting painful memories.

Burn them to the ground

“You’re not—” The words are sticky. “Disgusted?”

She tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear. Smiles in that way that turns my heart into hot, melted wax. “Never.”

“Are you frightened?” she asks.

Yes. Completely. But not of her. I’m frightened of this feeling that consumes me and promises to rip free of my body and set the entire palace ablaze. Of the way I want to taste every part of her. Devour her whole.

“No. I’m—” Disgusting. Hideous. Vila.

I don’t break curses.” I cross my arms, choking on the bitterness of my next words. “I make them.”

“It’s gone.” She lets out a sob. Tears glisten on her cheeks. “You broke the curse.”

“I want to kiss you, Alyce.”