The Priory of the Orange Tree (The Roots of Chaos, #1)

by Samantha Shannon

“It is not a weapon. It is the imbalance.” The witch stalked toward her. “Give it to me.”

“I think that this is simply the last act in your revenge. Your desire to destroy all trace of Galian Berethnet.” Her smile was pitying. “You are as beholden to your heart as you ever were.”

“Eadaz uq-Nāra.” The name left her like a curse. “You are so very like Cleolind, you know.” Blood speckled her lips. “After all this time, I see her spirit. Somehow . . . she outlived me.”

“I would live alone for fifty years to have one day with you.”

“Some truths,” he said, “are safest buried. Some castles best kept in the sky. There’s promise in tales that are yet to be spoken.