An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1)

by Sabaa Tahir

The swordpoint is my priest. The dance of death is my prayer. The killing blow is my release.

Life is made of so many moments that mean nothing. Then one day, a single moment comes along to define every second that comes after.

‘You are an ember in the ashes, Elias Veturius. You will spark and burn, ravage and destroy. You cannot change it. You cannot stop it.’

So my choices are to stay and be evil or to run and be evil. Wonderful.

But he never seemed to focus on what could turn out wrong. He only ever thought about how things could turn out right.’

All the beauty of the stars means nothing when life here on earth is so ugly.

But there are two kinds of guilt, girl: the kind that drowns you until you’re useless, and the kind that fires your soul to purpose.

‘There are two kinds of guilt,’ I say softly. ‘The kind that’s a burden and the kind that gives you purpose. Let your guilt be your fuel. Let it remind you of who you want to be. Draw a line in your mind. Never cross it again. You have a soul. It’s damaged, but it’s there. Don’t let them take it from you, Elias.’

‘You are full, Laia. Full of life and dark and strength and spirit. You are in our dreams. You will burn, for you are an ember in the ashes. That is your destiny. Being a Resistance spy – that is the smallest part of you. That is nothing.’

‘Fear can be good, Laia. It can keep you alive. But don’t let it control you. Don’t let it sow doubts within you. When the fear takes over, use the only thing more powerful, more indestructible, to fight it: your spirit. Your heart.’