Empire of the Damned (Empire of the Vampire, #2)

by Jay Kristoff

“It is only through falling that we teach ourselves to fly. Our measure be not in how many times we stumble, but how oft we rise. Failure is how we learn.”

“From holy cup comes holy light; “The faithful hand sets world aright. “And in the Seven Martyrs’ sight, “Mere man shall end this endless night.”

“Before the Five, come unto one, “With sainted blade, ’neath virgin sun,

“By sacred blood, or else by none; “This blackened veil shall be undone.”

The wise man learns more from his enemies than the fool from his friends, but even the fool can learn if his friends are willing to call him one. Surround yourself with folk who confront you. If you’re not being challenged, you’re not learning anything. If you’re the smartest man in the room, you’re in the wrong fucking room.

“That saying always struck me as strange, you know. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. It’s supposed to describe a pain indescribable, oui? As if by refusing to wish it on the one you despise most, you place it in a tier above all others. But the worst pain I ever felt? Perhaps I’m a cunt, coldblood, but the thought of my enemies suffering it too makes the notion I had to live through it a little easier to bear.”

Because there are always fucks to give for fashion.’

one-eyed wolf

This is probably a thralled highlander and that's where they're getting the blood.