Mirrored Heavens (Between Earth and Sky #3)

by Rebecca Roanhorse

For what was earth but a mirror of heaven? And what was she but a thing caught in between?

Upon death, the selfish man asks how he will be remembered. While the generous man asks how he was loved.

“On earth, in heaven, and within, three wars to lose, three wars to win. Cut the path. Mark the days. Turn the tides. Three tasks before the season dies: turn rotten fruit to flower, slay the god-bride still unloved, press the son to fell the sire. Victory then to the Carrion King who in winning loses everything.”

“People misunderstand. Love is the most powerful force in the world. It can change minds, change hearts, reshape the heavens and the earth. That is why people condemn it, say a woman is stronger without it, but that’s their own fear talking. If you are lucky enough to find love, Xiala, you hold on to it with all you have. It is a rare thing.”

Power is never willingly conceded; it must always be taken.

I would know you in the dark, the reflection of my heart, the mirror to my soul.

“Love is not a prize to be won or a sign of one’s merit. It is a gift freely given.”

“Love me. And let fate do its damnedest to get around that.”

May your love be steadfast as the sea, Who kisses the shore eternal and never tires of the sand.

“I would have found you anyway. Even if I had to cross the continent a dozen times. If my way is death and yours is life, then you are my other half.”

“I know you said I need not earn your love and that it is freely given. But if I survive this day, I will spend the rest of my life striving to be worthy of you.”