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Praise for the Souls of Fire Series

Winner of the Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers’ Choice Awards for Career Achievement in Urban Fantasy

“Arthur is positively one of the best urban fantasy authors in print today.”—Darque Reviews

“Keri Arthur’s imagination and energy infuse everything she writes with zest.”—Charlaine Harris

Praise for the Souls of Fire Series

“Amazing. I love the world building and character development. . . . I am hooked.”

—The Book Pushers

“With the plot, the characters, the steaminess, and the rhythm of the writing, this series is bound to be a hit. . . . Keri’s talent for steaming up the pages is definitely in there as well.”

—Awesomesauce Book Club

“An epic journey . . . a series that I can’t wait to see more of.”

—Much Loved Books

“A fresh new urban fantasy series that will please fans of the genre and Keri’s writing alike. This one will definitely be staying on my keeper shelf.”

—A Book Obsession

“Expertly builds on the tensions and conflicts from the series debut and expands both the world of this urban fantasy series and the alluring cast of characters that populate it.”

—RT Book Reviews

“Another gripping series from Keri Arthur. She seems to always find a different spin on urban fantasy . . . an original take with stellar writing and plotting.”

—Just Talking Books

“A red-hot new series that’s destined to become an urban fantasy favorite; if you’re tired of the same ol’, then look no further than Keri Arthur’s Souls of Fire.”

—Rabid Reads

ALSO BY KERI ARTHUR

THE SOULS OF FIRE SERIES

Fireborn

Wicked Embers

Flameout

THE DARK ANGELS SERIES

Darkness Unbound

Darkness Rising

Darkness Devours

Darkness Hunts

Darkness Unmasked

Darkness Splintered

Darkness Falls

THE OUTCAST SERIES

City of Light

Winter Halo

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my lovely daughter, Kasey.

Proud of you, kid.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many thanks to my awesome editor, Danielle Perez, for the help and advice over the years. It’s been a pleasure working with you.

I’d also like to thank my crit buddies and best friends—Robyn, Chris, Mel, Carolyn, and Freya—for being there when I’ve needed them.

CHAPTER 1

I raised my face to the sky and drew in the heat of the day. It ran through me like a river, a caress filled with warmth and sympathy, as if the sun were aware of my reason for being in this clearing out in the middle of nowhere.

And maybe it was. It had witnessed me performing this ceremony far too many times in the past.

I closed my eyes and ignored the tears trickling down my cheeks. Rory’s death was once again my fault. If he hadn’t been in Brooklyn with me, he’d still be alive.

And if he hadn’t been there, that inner voice whispered, not only would it be you who was dead, but possibly Jackson and Sam as well.