The Wrath of the Fallen (Gods & Monsters, #4)

by Amber V. Nicole

I was angry with my friend; I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe: I told it not, my wrath did grow. - A Poison Tree By William Blake

“Think of the children, Dianna,” Cameron scoffed before pointing to himself. “And the sexless.”

but I was a bitch who loved dramatics. If we needed to use little intimidation tactics to get our way, I was okay with that, too.

"If I ever give you children and you speak to me or them that way, I'll cut your cock off, fry it, and feed it to you."

"Can I burn him?" I said. "Just a little. Maybe he'd be nicer." "No," he said. "You promised no maiming." It was my turn to grumble. "I am regretting that decision."

"I don't find quips or innuendos about my wife humorous, Iver, and if you make crude comments about her again, I will no longer concern myself with being your ally. I will have your head, and then I will have your city."

Treasures and gold and artifacts seemed so meaningless when being loved so wholly was far more valuable.

Wars have begun and ended because of love. I’ve seen warriors fall on blades in its name. It makes immortality less dull and brings meaning to those who visit the veil sooner than us. It makes life sweet and gives us something to long for, hope for, to hold on to, and if you’re lucky enough, something that won’t fade.”

“Time itself cannot touch it. Death cannot separate it. It is the most powerful force in the world, far outweighing any crown or throne. Immeasurable. Inescapable. All-consuming. It is past want or need. Its only wish is to consume those who share it. Why wouldn’t one wish for it? Everything loves something, even the cruelest among us. I think it would be the definition of tragedy never to feel love at all.”

Yet as he talked, all I thought about was roasting her like a fucking holiday dinner.

Perhaps true strength lies in the moments when the world tosses us into the fire and we emerge unscathed.

Anger and hate came easily, but kindness after the world tried to break you was a mark of true strength.

“What do you think your enemies will say when they discover the great and powerful World Ender likes to cuddle?”

“We can believe and trust in ourselves. That much I know is true. The rest we can figure out as we go.”

“In life or death, I am yours.”

When it comes to you, I’ll always choose you, no matter the consequences. The world can burn, and the realms can fall to destruction. If there is ever a choice between the two, I need you to know that neither the crown nor the throne means anything to me. None of it would matter without you. It’s always you. You are my priority. I may be a god, but you are the altar at which I worship.”

“Being a hero is overrated,” I said. “Vastly,” he said,

Seeking penance was like removing a hundred jagged blades. They cut you up into pieces, and making yourself whole again was its own special agony.

Dianna did not need a blade. She was a weapon made of pretty flesh.

You are and will always be the ruin of me.”

“The world around us is on fire, and you two are shoving your tongues down each other’s throats. I’m honestly not the least bit shocked.”

Tonight I would weep, but come first light, I would rage.