Firebird (The Fire That Binds, #1)

by Juliette Cross

After all, Fortuna had chosen me for her good grace. I would cherish the centurion’s coin, no matter that it was delivered by the enemy, a dragon.

“A philosopher once said that while we cannot always control our circumstances, we can control how we react to them. It is better to take advantage of the smallest of gifts in these hard times. Take what you can, cherish what will give you peace and strength for the difficult roads that lie ahead.”

“Both, sweet firebird.” His voice was a velvety, dark caress. “We might both burn for what’s to come.”

“Because she rules her king’s heart. He will do anything for her. Therefore, supreme power is always in her hands. Not his.”

“We must not imagine a future that cannot be … we must bow to the demons and cherish what they cannot see.”

“For we have hearts greater than they know, that fire cannot burn, that spilled blood cannot show.” The Dacian’s voice rose with heavy emotion, and I translated the last. “No chains or pain will ever hold us here. If we ever hold the sword, it is us they will fear.”