The Wrath and the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn, #1)

by Renée Ahdieh

Soon, platters of food were brought before them—steaming, buttery basmati rice with bright orange saffron staining its center, surrounded by lamb in a savory sauce of dates, caramelized onions, and tangy barberries; skewers of marinated chicken and roasted tomatoes, served alongside chilled yogurt and cucumbers; fresh herbs and lavash bread, with rounds of goat cheese and sliced red radishes splashing brilliant colors against a polished wood backdrop.

“It will work if we build on our beliefs and make them a reality. Your hope will be our tinder, and my righteousness, our blaze.”

Trust that the man you see now is a shadow of what lies beneath. If you would, give him the love that will enable him to see it for himself. To a lost soul, such a treasure is worth its weight in gold. Worth its weight in dreams.”

“A shared history does not entitle you to a future, my friend.”

She curled her fingers into the front of his qamis. “You honestly expect me to breathe in a world without air?” Khalid inhaled sharply as his hands tightened around her arms. “I expect you to be stronger than that.” Shahrzad’s features softened. “But … there is nothing stronger than this.”