What Lies Within Masks & Shadows (Promises of the Marked, #1)

by Nicolle May

“Water runs when poured. You can’t expect it to flow up to the stars. That is against its nature. This iron has been its true form for its entire existence. It won’t be easy to form something from what it was into something you want it to be just because you wish it.”

“The courage to fight in the face of death is rare.”

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be who I was before.” Garrik stood there with tormented eyes fading into an endless abyss as they had been moments before. His voice broke as he tenderly whispered, “No. You will never get her back. Trust me when I say you do not want to. You are far braver than you think. Stronger than you yet know because of what you have endured. Never wish for those broken pieces returned. They will only cut holes into who you have fought to be now.”

“Bourbon is easier to swallow than old nightmares … and new.”

“Get on your fucking knees before your queen.”

“Progress is not linear, Alora. You can survive months without your pain, only to fall and shatter a moment later.