- Hi, I'm Ben Barnes.
And I play a Darkling in "Shadow and Bone."
Today, I'm going to do some as ASMR book reading for you.
Now ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response.
Did you know that?
It typically refers to the tingly feeling
that travels from the head downward
that some experience in response to certain sounds,
feelings, or description.
These can include soft whispering,
crinkling paper,
or a gentle touch.
We've just released "Shadow and Bone" season two
which covers a lot of Leigh Bardugo's "Siege and Storm."
"Siege and Storm," "Siege and Storm."
So let's dive in to chapter three.
"'Do you fear me, Alina?
That's what you want, isn't it?'
The Darkling shrugged.
'Fear is a powerful ally,' he said.
And loyal.'
He was watching me in that cold,
assessing way that made me feel
as if he were reading me like words on a page.
His fingers moving over the text,
gleaning some secret knowledge that I could only guess at.
I tried not to fidget, but the iron of my wrists chafed.
'I'd like to free you,' he said quietly.
'Free me, flay me. So many options.'
I could still feel the press of his knife at my cheek.
He sighed.
'It was a threat, Alina.
It accomplished what it needed to.'
'So he wouldn't have cut me?"
'I didn't say that.'
His voice was pleasant and matter-of-fact, as always.
He might have been threatening to carve me up
or ordering his dinner.
In the dim light,
I could just make out the fine traces of his scars.
I knew I should stay quiet, force him to speak first,
but my curiosity was too great.
"How did you survive?"
He ran his hand over the sharp line of his jaw.
'It seems the volcra did not care
for the taste of my flesh,'
he said almost idly.
'Have you ever noticed that they do not feed on each other?'
I shuddered.
They were his creations,
just like the thing that had buried its teeth
in my shoulder.
The skin there still pulsed.
'Like calls to like.'"
(water pouring)
(gulps)
I do hope you've enjoyed this little dose of bliss.
I have a very noisy beard.
I'm Ben Barnes and this has been your ASMR book read.
Be sure to catch "Shadow and Bone" season two,
now streaming only on Netflix.
(gentle music)