Heat of the Everflame (Kindred's Curse, #3)

by Penn Cole

the crystal pools of his eyes, I saw the profound depth of his devotion. The intensity of it nearly brought me to my knees.

“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.

“There are many kinds of medicines,” I said gently. “Some of them are easier to understand, like herbs and salves, but others are unexplainable. Faith. Happiness and laughter. Confidence in a positive outcome. Skin contact with loved ones. I’ve seen these things make a difference in patients that I thought were lost forever.”

shrewdly studied the nuance of my pleasure.

“I did not know what it was to need until I met you.

“It is not just my body that craves you, Diem. It is my heart.” He clutched at his chest. “My scarred, ruined scrap of a soul. Your smiles, your affection, the way you look at me, the way you see me... that is my lifeblood. I would sooner wither without food or water, sink into the sea until my lungs burst, abandon my magic and let my godhood burn me alive from within than endure one more day of life without you in it.”

“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.”

an education is the most powerful weapon of them all.”

“I want there to be no part of you that you hide from me because you fear it’s a part I will not love. I treasure your darkness as much as your light.”

“Show me your worst, my darling, and I’ll show you how far my love can go.”