Anathema (The Eating Woods, #1)

by Keri Lake

Emotions I was forced to keep hidden for fear of looking possessed by evil, as girls were often perceived when they felt too much.

How tragic that a woman’s worth equated to the depth of a man’s pockets.

This girl is the anathema, a witch, and deserves banishment to The Eating Woods!”

Be careful in how you respond, Maevyth. Consider every word.

“If he falls for her, he was never in love with you to begin.”

“You don’t have to look threatening to be threatening. Perceived weakness is your most vicious weapon. Remember that, as it will serve as an advantage.

We are quite vicious to our younger selves, aren’t we?” Dolion’s question echoed my own guilt, and I stood pondering how many times I’d blamed myself for something I was too young to understand.

The spine lined up to a scorpion. Aeryz to flame. The two halves of the moons united at the top and bottom of the clockface to form one full moon.

“Mortals fear what they don’t understand.”

“I’m afraid of being completely alone in the world.”

“I fear the unknown,”

“What wicked spells you weave, little witch.”

“Do you know how the scorpion chooses his mate?” Rykaia whispered in my ear. “Promenade à deux. By asking her to dance.”

“You command the flame. Remember that.”

“Fuck it all, you stubborn bastard. She’s your mate, Zevander!” Dolion’s words brought him to a grinding halt, and eyes narrowed, Zevander turned to face him. “What did you just say?” “I said she is your mate. I saw it in a vision. She wore your sigil, the mark of your scorpion. As did your son.”

He looked at me as if I was worthy of being seen.

“Fear inspires strength.”