Spark of the Everflame (Kindred's Curse, #1)

by Penn Cole

It’s never the enemy who attacks outright who will strike your killing blow, he’d taught me. It’s the one who hides in the shadows and waits. The one who strikes when you’ve finally looked away. Those are the true predators to fear.

But I was made of swinging fists and rash words, my edges too jagged and my temper too hot. Nothing about me was delicate.

War is death and misery and sacrifice. War is making choices that will haunt you for the rest of your days. You fight to protect, or to survive, but never for the joy of killing, no matter how brutal your enemy.

Don’t choose a mediocre life for a mediocre man. Go be exceptional. If he’s worth it, he won’t judge you. And if he’s really the one, he’ll come along for the ride.”

But smart and rational were privileges of the lucky, the fortunate few who could afford to close their eyes to injustice and walk away.

“If the death of innocents is a cost we’re willing to pay, then we don’t deserve to be powerful.”