A Psalm of Storms and Silence (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, #2)

by Roseanne A. Brown

“But no cause that can’t withstand justified questioning is truly worth following. If our present can’t be sorted neatly into heroes and villains, then neither can our past. It’s good that you’re doubting the ancestors, and it’s good that you’re wrestling with what you’ve been taught. All that means is whatever path you choose, it’ll be because it’s what you truly believe, not just because someone else wants it for you.”

his words provided a balm to a part of her that had been cracked and sore for longer than she cared to admit. The reminder that she was simply one person in the long line of billions to ever exist was freeing. Fixing the complicated, beautiful, vicious world they lived in did not have to rest on her shoulders alone.

“I don’t regret leaving the Sentinels, but I regret leaving him. If you ever find someone who feels as natural to you as breathing, don’t leave them. Because if you do, you’ll feel as if you’re gasping for air every moment after.”

Life isn’t given to be deserved. It’s given to be lived. If you can find one thing that makes it worth seeing another day, then you’ve done all you’re meant to do.”

How can we claim the victories of our ancestors and not claim the atrocities too?” Karina stepped forward,

The ancestors are our roots, keeping us grounded. I am the trunk, keeper of the connection. And you, my darling girl, you are the branches, you are the leaves, you are every good and green thing. You can bloom and bloom, if only you give yourself the chance.”

Though he would never forgive the man for what he’d done to them, Malik mourned the way this world gave its fathers and sons no outlet for their traumas besides violence and anger.

“The past devours those naive enough to forget it,” she said softly. “You shouldn’t forget the Sentinel you once were, nor would I ask you to. But your past doesn’t have to dictate your future.”