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

by Nicolle May

Death didn’t discriminate. In the end, no matter who you were, everyone ended up either buried in Elysian dirt or their ashes spread across it all the same. She would be no different.

She didn’t need flames to suffer the anguish of burning,

No one was coming to rescue her. No one ever came to her aid. She’d do it herself—had been doing it herself for her entire life. Why would that change now?

She was not the darkness she endured. She was the fire. The whole starsdamned roaring inferno. A deathly explosion of destruction.

It was strange—the false sense of safety entangling her by hands that were covered in the remains of the once breathing.

“Were you aware that your cheeks scarlet when you picture death? What a wicked, clever thing I have captured.”

“Careful, clever girl. I could kill you for that.” “So could another faerie. A cat. A dedicated pigeon. You aren’t special. You think others haven’t tried? Go ahead.”

“You wicked, clever thing. If you wanted me to get you flowers, all you had to do was ask.”

“Malik. Never a fucking pleasure,”

my kind of greeting

“The pain of the past is everlasting, yet it can eventually mend.

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.”

And if by Destiny, the stars fail you, shadow will follow. I will follow. Even in the end of days, you will never be truly alone, Alora. You are safe. You are protected.”

“No one can make you feel fear. Danger is real, but fear is a choice. Never trust it. Do not let it consume you. It does not know your incredible strength. Feel it. Every part of it. Then let it push you to your greatest victory over yourself and above all else.”

“Insult what is mine again and find that my knowledge of pain far exceeds the control of shadow. They will grant you mercy. I will not.”

the only limit exists beyond the stars. You are fire with the heart of a lioness. Yield to no one, not even him.

make no mistake, clever girl, this is no fairytale. Do not expect me to be a hero. I am the villain, and you won’t like who I was made to be.

Wherever there are shadows, I will always be.

“I’m shit at apologies. So, unfuck you or whatever.”

“Talk to me.”

.... goes both ways dude

Just because you survived does not mean you stepped over a line of hurting and into being instantly healed.”

I crave death like a dying animal craves the life that is fading.”

Make no mistake, my darling, there is no reality in which I would not return to you.”