I had an itch that could only be scratched by a dose of Brishen and Ildiko's story. So I scoured the Wraith Kings Series for one of the in-between novelettes/shorts that follow Radiance and found this one.

Despite not reading the books wherein the first two stories are set (Strong Blood and Crow Awakened) I was intrigued by the time travel in one tale and the dramatics of good news in the second tale. But finally, I made it to the third story, Matter of trust and wowza was that a steamy affair I did not expect, given the tame preceding two stories before it. Okay but seriously, Is it possible to love already beloved characters even more than before? I mean the last time I adored characters to this extent was as a teen watching ATLA on Nickelodeon and rooting for Zuko to find redemption, Toph to annihilate all enemies and Aang to temper his shame and be The Avatar. Glad to welcome Wraith Kings into the hallowed halls of my mind palace, where The Lord of The Rings, The Hobbit, Good Omens and countless others take up space.

Good to finally have a fantasy romance amidst all the scifi, high fantasy, scientific non-fiction and detective mysteries (including cozy) I seem to devour daily.