Stunning photo by @bookpopwonderland!
Hi fairy friends!
I hope that you’re all loving The Darkness Within Us so far! It’s now day 3 and things are really getting interesting!
But before we start reading, we have our secret giveaway! What’s that? Oh, just a chance to get your next FairyLoot for free as a reward for reading! Doesn’t really get better than that! And your chances are so good too! We don’t really announce this anywhere else as we truly want the person from the readalong to win! If you’d like to try your luck, all you need to do is follow these steps!
- Take a photo of our edition of The Darkness Within Us
- Include the hashtag #FairyDarkness (very important!)
- Do all of this by the end of August 7th.
- Mention down below in your comment that you have entered and include your Instagram handle (also super important!)
Good luck!
Today we’ll be reading from Chapter 12 to the end of Chapter 16, let’s jump in!
Please be warned, the following section will include spoilers for The Darkness Within Us, from Chapter 12 to Chapter 16. Please only read on if you’ve finished this section!
-!SPOILERS!-
Chrysantha is infuriated that he’s giving the staff gifts. In a bid to outdo him, she sends Kyros out to buy them gifts from her. It’s so petty, I love it!
Meanwhile, yet another nobleman has gone missing… and Chrysantha is quite convinced that Eryx is involved somehow, she just needs to work out how.
He snaps at her for “observing” him, but something doesn’t look quite right with him. She leaves and Argus and Dyson are quick on her heels. It all starts coming out, Eryx saved their lives. Argus is twice his size, but they’re adamant he’s much stronger than he looks. She questions their status here as valets but they’re here for protection… to protect her. From who? Eryx?!
Chrysantha finally gets her private investigator! What comes to light is… interesting. Eryx’s mother, Ophira, had an affair with the late Shadow King. The timings don’t quite work out for him to be his son though. Despite that, when Ophira moved, disappearances followed… Strange. Eryx was always skilled in fighting and his mother encouraged him to pursue that, with him leaving for the army at around 13. We’re still no closer to finding out what he actually is though!
She decides there’s only one thing for it, she’ll kill him. Dun dun dunnnnn!
Chrysantha poisons him at dinner but the result is not at all what she expected. He begins to convulse… and shadows pour from his mouth. Eryx flees and Chrysantha uses threats of doctors to force herself into the room. He tries to brush her off with talks or having a pipe, but he currently looks exactly like he did in her dream – horns and all.
The good news is, they don’t suspect her. They think Sarkis, who’s presumably the blackmailer, is the one who poisoned him. The bad news? She’s in danger now that she truly knows he’s not entirely human. Despite the shadows, it does seem like Eryx isn’t the late Shadow King’s son? He hints that if that were the case, it’d be far better than the truth. Chrysantha listened to it all, and based on it all she has a new plan – she can’t kill him, so she’ll make him fall in love with her! I don’t know, Chrysantha, I think you’re halfway there…
Alessandra’s wedding day is upon them and Eryx is looking GOOD. So good, Chrysantha has butterflies!
She winds him up in the carriage with the aim of unleashing the beast. It works and instead of being terrified, she finds it exciting.
Chrysantha thinks her sister weak for falling in love (shall we remind her she just got literal butterflies???) but Alessandra seems happy. Now that the Shadow King is taken, it seems Eryx is the most eligible bachelor in the room. I don’t entirely know what Chrysantha’s plan is, but she outright asks her sister and the King to recognise Eryx as the Duke. Isn’t that the very last thing she wanted though???
She drops her ruse and tells Alessandra, well, everything. From her airhead act to her treatment of her sister. She basically apologises and Alessandra is so taken aback she just asks her new husband to dance, leaving Chrysantha alone. Or she would be alone… if Eryx wasn’t eavesdropping. These two are more alike than they realise!
Eryx is still trying to marry Chrysantha off, and encourages her to dance with Lord Barlas. Yet, when Lord Barlas doesn’t take no for an answer when he asks for a second dance, Eryx inserts himself into the fray and SNAPS HIS WRIST. That’s some heavy jealously right there!
They dance, and Eryx quite honestly admits he would have killed him for her. I’m not sure Chrysantha’s plan to make Eryx fall in love with her will be as difficult as the thinks… I think he’s already there!
She tries to distract him so his eyes will return to normal before anyone can see. He’s veeeery protective over her indeed and they slowly get closer and closer until he’s affectionately stroking her. She pulls back but when she does… it turns out the King and Queen were watching them the whole time!
I am on the EDGE OF MY SEAT. I need to keep going! Do they know what he is?
What are your theories on Eryx? If he’s not a relation of the Shadow King I can’t work out WHAT he is!
Do you think they’re falling for each other?
Any theories for what will happen going forward?
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts, fairies!
Love,
Shannon
Blog Post Copied to Clipboard
Conversation
35 Comments
Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Most Recent Stories
Follow Us
Most Recent Stories
I love love love that she tried to kill him. This is exactly what I would have expected based on the first chapter and I’m so happy Chrysantha is continuing to be a badass. I also love how they are clearly warming up to each other! I’m still thinking that Chrysanta will most probably take Kyros to bed because she refuses to believe that she might be falling for Eryx but we’ll see.
I also was so sure that Eryx would be a vampire but honestly now, I have no idea. Something to do with the shadows but also the tail and the horns? I’m not sure about anything.
Also also, entered the giveaway @lyrasbookdiary on insta
It’s getting sooo good! I love the bickering and the longing!
I like that Chrysantha opened up to her sister but I don’t know if it was a good idea judging by her sister’s reaction.
I’m thinking maybe Eryx and the shadow king are related but they don’t know?
I think they’ve already fallen for each other, all that’s left is for them to admit it! Chrysantha needs to learn to share and Eryx needs to let on his secret already!
I have absolutely zero theories! Lol everything so far has been unpredictable, I have no idea what’ll happen next!
Since we found out Eryx has no relation to the King I think he is from another line of demons and the King would find him a threat, which is why they think the truth is worse.
I think Eryx has already fallen for Chrysantha but her feelings are more complicated because she is focused on her goals of getting her freedom back. In order for her to let herself love him I think he needs to earn her trust, maybe by sharing his secrets with her and for him to not have any control over her.
Entered giveaway! IG: @bexxmf
Ok so I still have NO idea what Eryx is but man do I’m starting to love that man/beast ! I’m enjoying so much their relationship, the way she seems to be normal around him despite his obvious differences, the fact she clearly doesn’t care about his beast side (horns and all), the fact that he’s clearly over protective but I’m not sure he realises his feelings for her, the way she’s also super protective of him and constantly looks out for him (like be super aware to tell him about his eyes changing so no one see it)… I’m looking forward to read more and more. I’m super curious about what he is and why the king seems to be interested.
I’m kind of sad that I feel like I’m missing some part of the story as I haven’t read The shadows between us. I honestly had no idea this one was part of the world and most of the time I don’t feel like missing it. But it’s when Chrysantha meets her sister, when I see the relationship between them that I would have like to know more.
I’m entering the giveaway, thank you <3 @masenechal
I am still team both! I love that C coaxed Eryx’ real self from him, and so sad he has been hiding…but he could have a perfect champion in C. She has such strength and wants to see things just as they are, though that reveal is still coming! I feel like E must be a shadow relation somehow, and hasn’t been recognised as a threat which is why he hides and isolates himself. Makes me wonder what shadow magiks are waiting to change this world…
Such a fast read! I have no idea what Eryx is – I was getting beast vibes (beauty and the beast) but now the shadows are throwing me off. I think now that Chrys knows the truth about him, and they have to work together, they will definately fall for each other.
Hmmm lets see his appearance kind of reminds me of Cardan he could be a fae but the shadows coming out of him hmm I am intrigued.
I to belive he is falling for her I said it from the start its bound to happen when there is so much energy going around them now I am hopefully waiting for a steamy sesion between them that isnt fighting hehe
Called it his mother was disowend my god the old duke of Phillios was a monster.
I just love our girl Chrysantha shes got fire in her and I love that girl power of getting her freedom but I can’t wait to see if she trades it for a duke with a tamper hmmm
Oh and the dresses of Chrysantha and Alessandra gorgeous.
Oh I just love this sistets they are so alike but diffrent in a way and I love how Chrysantha finally seen that they are in the same shit together and just trying to survive and be happy and free
oh I entered the giveaway my handle is @db.lovesbooks
What are your theories on Eryx?
I’m trying to remember the other book…didn’t the king have a brother who died/disappeared? Wondering if Eryx is his nephew.
Do you think they’re falling for each other?
Oh yes.
Any theories for what will happen going forward?
I really hope the king noticed something unusual about Eryx. And I would love to see more with Alessandra and Crysantha building a relationship as their new selves.
Forgot to mention I’ll be entering the giveaway as @sonata_ix
1. What are your theories on Eryx? If he’s not a relation of the Shadow King I can’t work out WHAT he is!
I don’t know either but I can’t wait to find out!!
2. Do you think they’re falling for each other?
Most definitely! He probably fell first, since their plag fight where they ended on the ground!
3. Any theories for what will happen going forward?
We’ll definitely find out what he is. I also think that “friend” is coming around at some point
Also entered at @lisashelves 😊
I still think he is something to the extent of shadow magic. In THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US Kallias said his ancestry was bestowed the shadow magic from a demon and the power was passed on through lineage. So Eryx is most likely a bi-product of another demon with similar powers. He’s definitely not just human.
Oh, they’re definitely falling for each other! The ‘he falls first’ trope is definitely in play. Eryx is in love with Chrysantha, but she’s not just quite there yet.
One of my theories: when Chrysantha finally discovers what Eryx is, she is going to defy the norm and accept who he is.
Entered the IG giveaway, my IG handle is @itsphilly20
Thank you!!
In real life, if a man were to come up and break the arm of another man I was dancing with, I would run in the opposite direction so fast… Red flag for sure! In a book… That scene had me giggling and kicking my feet. Eryx has totally won me over. Now to just figure out what he actually is!
I am entering the contest, @otterly_lovely_reads. Thanks!
So true! We cannot see red flags in fictional men…👀
Still loving this book! I can’t work out what Eryx is either but I’m dying to find out. I think they are 100% falling for each other now yeh. I felt so bad for Kyros though when he got her flowers🥺
We’re so happy to hear that you are loving the book!
Entered giveaway with @minnie_reads_
I still can’t figure out what he is, but I am loving this book! I love how they interact with each other. I definitely think they’re falling for each other, but neither one of them is willing to admit it. Yet. Entered the giveaway. My insta is @pepperjacks9
I will be participating in the photo challenge. My username is mangapenguin.
What are your theories on Eryx? If he’s not a relation of the Shadow King I can’t work out WHAT he is!
I really didn’t know what Eryx was. I knew he had to be supernatural but I couldn’t figure out what creature he could be related too.
Do you think they’re falling for each other?
YES! The hate but love at times shows for both of them. As much as they don’t want to admit it to the other they are falling and falling pretty hard.
Any theories for what will happen going forward?
Honestly, I had a feeling we would see their love blossom then maybe Eryx found out her real plan with the investigator and she had to earn his love back.
I think his mom had an affair with a demon afterwards and that’s why it would be better if he was the illegitimate son of the Shadow King.
Eryx and Chrysantha are definitely falling for each other, and I love how Chrysantha is unbothered by his otherness and she is instead excited by it!
I think though that Eryx has stolen Chrysantha’s heredity and that everything will crash down when she will found out! I guess I will have to finish reading to find out!
Also I have entered the contest and this is my Instagram handle @lady_of_books7
Oooo that’s an interesting theory! 👀
Chrysantha is easy to love. She’s funny, loves pink, is sarcastic, loves to read, is vicious, manipulative, has a mean streak and is willing to kill the odd man if he gets in her way – what’s not to like?
Also, i entered the giveaway @wandering.bookishtales._ on Instagram
Chrysantha is easy to love. She’s funny, loves pink, is sarcastic, loves to read, is vicious, manipulative, has a mean streak and is willing to kill the odd man if he gets in her way – what’s not to like?
Also i entered the giveaway @wandering.bookishtales._
Oh I love how things are starting to get really interesting! I wonder if Eryx fell first? Because these two seem so well matched! Her dynamic with her sister is so relatable though, I originally thought she may have had something to do with the return of eryx but perhaps not!
Also forgot to mention I’ll be entering the giveaway 🥰 @_whatleareads
I love how they try and outdo each other in this book. Their chemistry is so on point, its making for such a good read as you want to know who is going to do what next.
The scene when she poisons him had me like OMG!! I thought… will it work and clearly not. The shadows pouring from him make me think that he is a relation to the Shadow King.. he has to be right?
I think that they both like each other, they won’t admit it due to their oversized egos.
I think that Eryx will find out that Chrysantha poisoned him and it will have an impact on their relationship. She will uncover what the shadows are all about and look to expose him to get a win over him.
Instagram handle is cramson__reads_and_games
“So you did want a gift from me” 🤣🤣🤣 I cackled!
I have no idea what Eryx is, because the label vampire doesn’t seem to fit. Something related to the Shadow King? The horns and tail give me devil vibes, but I don’t think that’s right either.
I think her sister and the king are staring at them because they can see the spark between them! Just like Chrys could see how the newlyweds felt about one another when watching them dance. I definitely think there’s some crazy chemistry there.
I have entered! @accio_bookworms
Entered my pic on instagram, my handle is @mybookishbeing
What are your theories on Eryx? Maybe werewolf?
Do you think they’re falling for each other? I think that they are they just dont want to admit it to themselves
Any theories for what will happen going forward? I think we’ll find out that Eryx is the one that is kidnapping the nobles that have gone missing
Late to the readalong and halfway along, I entered the giveaway my handle is @livingonmybookshelf.
Thus far, I think this duology is a very good example of how POV/perspective REALLY matters. Which is another way of saying, “Good job, author, you utilized this storytelling technique really well!” XD Lol, the narration is distinctly unreliable and Levenseller leans into that. Which IS something that is usually done in romances because it lets them create all sorts of misunderstandings, but I think it’s also a very good idea to do in consideration of all the other elements in this story and the way it reflects the consequences of The Shadows Between Us.
Aie aie aie, this poison act was really bold! The two sisters truly are more alike than they think.
For sure they will fall in love – I think they both already are and just need to admit that to themselves. I also think they will find a way to live together and make it work so both can have what they want.
I am more curious of where he got these powers. Probably a similar curse than the one of the Shadow King. I do not believe they are related but maybe their ancestors got cursed at the same time… maybe they were friends?
In any case, readalong shared on my social @the_nerd_huntress !
I haven’t read the book about the shados king, 50 I dan’t even Know what he is, It’s so out of place for Eyrx to be some kind of mythical creature because there is no other magic on fantasy in this world. Maybe he is an ancient villion of the shadow king’ They are falling for each other but I believe that they are both too prideful to fully express that to one another.
Because there is still so much of the book left, I believe that Eynx is going to be publically exposed and /or Chrysantra is going to be captured by Enyx’s blackmailer.
I have entered, my instagram handle is @anythingisabookmark
I’m a little late to the party but I have just finished reading part 3 of the readalong and I’m loving it so far I’ve also entered the competition my Instagram handle is @relax_with_a_good_book
Always running behind on the readalongs 🙈 entered @hayleys.reads