Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7)

by Sarah J. Maas

Fireheart, why do you cry? Aelin could not answer. Fireheart. The words were a gentle brush down her cheek. Fireheart, why do you cry? And from far away, deep within her, Aelin whispered toward that ray of memory, Because I am lost. And I do not know the way.

You have been very brave, her mother said. You have been very brave, for so very long. Aelin couldn’t stop the silent sob that worked its way up her throat. But you must be brave a little while longer, my Fireheart.

It is the strength of this that matters. No matter where you are, no matter how far, this will lead you home.

You do not yield. Then she was gone, like dew under the morning sun. But the words lingered. Blossomed within Aelin, bright as a kindled ember. You do not yield.

“To whatever end,” he whispered. Silver lined her eyes. “To whatever end.”

“I went to the Torre,” Yrene said, her voice cracking. “I took the money you gave me, and went to the Torre. And I became the heir apparent to the Healer on High. And now I have come back, to do what I can. I taught every healer I could the lessons you showed me that night, about self-defense. I didn’t waste it—not a coin you gave me, or a moment of the time, the life you bought me.” Tears were rolling and rolling down Yrene’s face. “I didn’t waste any of it.”

“What was stolen has been restored; what was lost has come home again. I hail thee, Manon Crochan, Queen of Witches.”

A crown of stars. For the last Crochan Queen.

My name is Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, and I will not be afraid. I will not be afraid. I will not be afraid.

“Nameless is my price,” the king said.

Spirit that could not be broken. You do not yield.

Life—life was pain. Pain, and joy. Joy because of the pain.

“To whatever end, Fireheart.”