Tales of the Celestial Kingdom (The Celestial Kingdom, #2.5)

by Sue Lynn Tan

“Because it pleases us to,” it hissed. “Because we are bored of our duties, to light this world at dawn and depart at dusk. Because we want to be freed of such shackles, to play together. And most of all, because we care nothing for your pathetic world.”

Immortality was a hollow gift, regret poor company for a broken heart.

In the echoes of her smile I found love again, hope reborn in the brightness of her eyes.

I wanted to say more, to lift her face to mine—to ask for her heart, as I was in danger of losing mine.

Life was not perfect; there were always hidden wounds, pain disguised beneath a smile, a price to any happiness possessed. We had to bear our burdens the best we could, for we alone knew their true weight.

Time was an elusive thing for all its precision—happiness so fleeting, while sorrow dragged on like a path without end.