Reign of Cinders and Glass (Fated Fairytales, #1)

by Linsey Hall

“A whisperer hears what others don’t, listens when others won’t, and speaks for those who can’t. She gives when she has nothing left to give.”

“I want to make a difference here,” I said as I followed the old woman back inside. “I want to change this place so we don’t have to live in fear. But I don’t know where to begin. I’m not a witch. I can’t fly or cast spells or curse the immortals. What good is speaking with animals and making flowers bloom?” “Don’t underestimate yourself.”

“Sometimes, a situation calls for someone who thinks building a better world is more important than killing their enemies. Someone who can make alliances. Someone who listens—not to their anger, but to their heart.”

“There are things I cannot change is the favorite excuse of all men who enjoy power. It’s the oath of cowards.”

Impossible. A gorgeous woman could make a fool of any man, and by all evidence, I was that fool.

I foolishly wiped a smudge of ash from her cheek. “I should start calling you Cinders if you’re going to keep climbing up chimneys. Better yet, Cinderella. I like the ring of that.”

“Whatever you do, don’t let them see how strong you are. Make them underestimate you. Only then will you be safe.”

“That’s princes for you, always in need of saving. You’d think they’d show a little initiative every once in a while and save themselves.”

“You’re a thief, Horace. I am a whisperer, and I have the strength of an entire forest in the palm of my hand.” I seized control of another oak and slammed the mage across the clearing. “And the forest is angry.”

Cassius, on the other hand, made me feel like I was capable of anything, that he believed I could do anything—even rule a kingdom. How many people found someone in life who could make them feel like that?