Court of Shadows (Institute of the Shadow Fae, #1)

by C.N. Crawford

Baleros’s third law of power: Always let your enemy underestimate you.

Baleros’s sixth law of power: Crush your enemies mercilessly.

Baleros’s ninth law of power: Don’t attack unless you’re certain you can win.

Baleros’s fourth law of power: Always anticipate your enemy’s actions.

“We normally don’t even bother with your type, but it was his idea. I’m not sure why. My companion here typically hates fae like you.” “Fae like me? You mean, someone with an actual personality?” “No,” said Aengus. “From what we’ve seen, you’re a rule-breaking, impulsive slob prone to heavy drinking and undignified bar brawls. Your entire existence literally serves no purpose.” “I feel like there might have been an insult somewhere in there, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

Baleros’s fourteenth law of power: Form bonds with unlikely allies.

I was scarred; I was beautiful, and I didn’t need to know what anyone else thought about the matter.

Baleros’s eighth law of power: Conceal your true intentions.

Baleros’s tenth law of power: Always think three steps ahead.

Baleros’s eleventh law of power: Use the destruction of your enemies to achieve your own goals.

Baleros’s sixteenth law of power: Use the element of surprise.

Baleros’s twelfth law of power: Know when you’re outnumbered.

Baleros’s fifteenth law of power: Always use your surroundings.

Baleros’s first—and most important—law of power: Get in your enemy’s head. Knowing someone well gives you power over them.

Baleros’s seventeenth law of power: Never let an opportunity go to waste.

Baleros’s thirteenth law of power. Don’t let your opponent see your weaknesses. And never admit defeat.

Baleros’s seventh law of power: Kill, or be killed.

Baleros’s fifth law of power: Don’t let your emotions govern your decisions.

Baleros’s eighteenth law of power: When you achieve greatness, cling onto it with all your strength.

Baleros’s thirty-fourth law of power: never let down your guard.