More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
For all those caught in the flames, remember that the hottest fires forge the strongest swords.
My mountain in the windstorm, my island in a turbulent sea.
“Don’t you dare mistake compassion for lack of courage,” he growled. “Anyone can slaughter their enemies. Hate is easy—it’s mercy that requires the greater strength. I’ll be damned if I let you believe that beautiful heart of yours is a weakness. Trust your instincts, my Queen—above all else, trust yourself.”
“Desire?” He gave a dark, throaty laugh. “Desire is a pathetic word for what I feel for you. I require you. I am sustained by you. You are the flame that fuels my fire. Don’t you dare question that—not for a second.”
“Don’t fight back,” Zalaric warned. “She’s ruthless about protecting her reputation. Don’t insult or threaten her, Diem. Be quiet and polite and—” Taran groaned. “We’re all gonna die.”
“Happy reading, dear,” she chirped, strolling away. “And don’t forget why they banned these books for mortals in the first place.” “Why is that?” “Because an education is the most powerful weapon of them all.”
“It takes being denied what you want to understand the power of wanting more. Satisfaction is the death of curiosity.
“The heart doesn’t care who it should love. Only who makes it sing.”
“Show me your worst, my darling, and I’ll show you how far my love can go.”
It was defiant, that warrior heart of his. Just like the woman it loved.
To be disarmed is to court death. By wits or by weapon, be ready at all times.
“Never before have I made this choice,”
She nodded. “Indeed. Peace is a virtue.” “Let us seek virtue in all things,” the Descended chanted in unison.
The pain of the buildup was so much more enticing than the pleasure of letting go—because that would mean coming back down to earth, where all my troubles lie in wait.
“He’s so kind and thoughtful, and he’s entirely selfless. He’s more loyal to me than I deserve. He challenges me without trying to change me, and he sees me in a way no one ever has. When I’m with him, I feel safe and cherished and...” I glanced at him, surprised to find his mask down, his feelings for me laid bare on his face. “...and loved. He makes me feel loved.” I looked back at her. “And I love him, too.”
My heart exploded, enflamed with a joy so bold, the morning sun seemed to bow in deference to its glow.
My chest squeezed tight, my body too small a box to contain the world-rattling emotion exploding inside.
“Be smart,” I yelled out, recalling my father’s lessons. “Remember, the weapon in your head is more important than the weapon in your hands. Outwit them, outfight them, outrun them—but above all, outlive them.” I glared over my shoulder. “And stay the hell away from those black blades.”
Sometimes it feels like the Kindred are taking the one thing that brings me joy and dangling it over a cliff, waiting to see how many times they can pretend to drop you before I throw myself over just to make it stop.”
Restore the balance, Daughter of the Forgotten.
Love. Love. It detonated in my chest. It destroyed me, reduced me to bone and ash. It rebuilt me, a bird of flame and passion. Love, like I’d never felt. Love, like I’d never believed myself capable of feeling. Love, like I didn’t think existed but in storybooks and dreams.
I wanted to carve out half my heart and nest it inside his ribs, let it beat in rhythm with his own, keep it company, hold it in sorrow, dance with it in delight.
My body can be carved in two, open and dying, and still I will crawl from the ruins of my flesh and fight my way back to your side. Death itself could not keep me away.
I will love you for as long as love exists.”
Finally, to anyone reading this: when it seems like the world wants to crush your spirit and burn you alive, never forget my little flames, pressure and heat make diamonds.
