Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment, #2) by Rebecca Ross PDF

Ruthless Vows, the second installment in the Letters of Enchantment series by Rebecca Ross, continues the captivating tale of Enva and her struggles against the forces that threaten her existence. Set in a richly woven fantasy world, this novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and betrayal as Enva confronts her past and the dark magic that binds her to Dacre. Readers will be drawn into a narrative filled with tension and emotional depth, perfect for fans of romantasy and those who enjoy intricate world-building. With a blend of adventure and romance, Ruthless Vows is ideal for anyone seeking a compelling continuation of this enchanting saga.

Key Points

Explores the complex relationship between Enva and Dacre amidst dark magic and betrayal.
Continues the narrative from the first book in the Letters of Enchantment series.
Delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of past actions.
Features a richly developed fantasy world that enhances the story’s emotional stakes.

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{ Prologue }

ENVA

There was never any doubt in her mind, even after all these dust-streaked

mortal years, that Dacre would one day come for her. Enva knew her music

would only hold him in his grave for so long. It didn’t matter how much she

had sacrificed to sing it; the twisted spell she had sung over him would

eventually fade in power.

She had strummed the lullaby for the entire turning of a year, from

spring to summer, when gray storms turned the world green and soft. And

then from summer to autumn, when the trees turned umber and gold, and

rime cast a cloak over the dying grass. From autumn to winter, when

mountains grew fangs of ice and the air was brittle, and then to spring once

again.

It was enough to hold her former lover beneath the loam for centuries by

mortal reckoning, and she had reassured the human king at the time. As for

the other three divines … Alva, Mir, and Luz … Enva had never been

worried about their waking.

But all good things eventually came to an end. And all songs had a final

verse.

Dacre would wake, and she would be waiting for him.

Enva curled her long fingers into a fist at her side, feeling the ache in

her swollen knuckles. She had known her spell would end, but what she

hadn’t anticipated was the cost of swallowing so much power.

Momentarily lost to the past, Enva stood in a shadow on Broad Street,

watching people hurry along their way, oblivious to her presence. But she

was often overlooked, as was her preference. She could melt into a crowd

of mortals like she had been born among them, with flesh doomed to bleed

and decay, with a spirit that was like a candle flame, flickering and

incandescent. Burning brilliant in the darkness.

She waited a few more moments for the sun to set. Only then did she

step forward into the dusk and cross the street, her eyes on a particular café.

She was almost certain she had been here before, long, long ago. Before

this city had risen from a crosshatching of cobblestones. Before the

buildings had been made of tall, steel skeletons.

She could almost remember this place if she let her memories fall back

in time. If she dared to relive the era when she had dwelled with Dacre

below. When she could have drowned in such lonely shadows, waking in

his bed, longing for the sky.

He had put her in a gilded cage, but she had slipped away from his

grasping hands.

Enva reached the café’s threshold. It was closed for the night, but locks

had never stopped her before, and she stepped into the building and studied

her surroundings. Yes, she had been here once, but this place had been

vastly different then. She had the strange feeling that while everything

around her had changed and evolved like the seasons, she had not. She was

the same as she had been centuries ago, drawn from very old wind and cold

constellations.

But she was not here to fall prey to what had been.

Enva narrowed her sight and stepped forward, searching for the door.

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Overview

Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment, #2) by Rebecca Ross

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FAQs

What is the significance of Enva's song in the prologue?

Enva's song serves as a powerful spell that keeps her former lover, Dacre, trapped in his grave. She has sung this lullaby for an entire year, spanning the seasons, to maintain his slumber. However, she is aware that the spell's power will eventually fade, leading to Dacre's awakening. This foreshadows the central conflict of the story, as Enva grapples with the consequences of her magic and the inevitable return of Dacre.

How does Iris feel about her brother Forest in the first chapter?

Iris is deeply concerned about her brother, Forest, who she suspects is following her. She reflects on how the war has changed him, making him more wary and distrustful. Iris wishes for Forest to trust her, indicating a strained relationship due to his doubts about her intentions. This tension highlights the emotional stakes for Iris as she navigates her life in the city of Oath.

What does the phrase 'gods belong in their graves' signify in the story?

The phrase 'gods belong in their graves' is a recurring and ominous statement that reflects the sentiments of certain citizens in Oath who oppose the presence of living divines like Enva. This graffiti symbolizes a growing unrest and a desire to rid the city of divine influence, particularly in light of the war and its devastating effects. It raises questions about the role of gods in mortal affairs and sets a tone of conflict between mortals and the divine.

What is Iris's occupation and how does it affect her character?

Iris works at the Inkridden Tribune, a newspaper rooted in the basement of an ancient building. Her role as a reporter allows her to engage with the world around her, but it also brings emotional challenges, especially as she searches for news about her missing friend, Roman. Her occupation shapes her character, showcasing her determination and resilience in a time of war, while also highlighting her vulnerabilities as she navigates personal loss.

How does Enva's past influence her actions in the present?

Enva's past, particularly her relationship with Dacre, heavily influences her present actions. She is haunted by memories of their time together and the sacrifices she made to keep him buried. As she navigates the modern world, she grapples with the weight of her past decisions and the looming threat of Dacre's return. This internal conflict drives her motivations and shapes her interactions with other characters.

What is the setting of the story and how does it impact the characters?

The story is set in the city of Oath, which is depicted as a place where the remnants of magic can still be felt amidst the bustle of modern life. This setting impacts the characters by creating a backdrop of tension between the divine and mortal realms, particularly as the city grapples with the consequences of war and the presence of gods. The contrast between the magical elements and the harsh realities of life in Oath influences the characters' actions and relationships.