A Fate of Wrath & Flame (Fate & Flame, #1)

by K.A. Tucker

“And what of time? Will you stop that too?” Sofie knew where to aim her words to inflict the sharpest ache. “The madness calls to me even now, at this very moment. I do not know how much longer I can deny answering it.”

We tried to get him help, but we had no money, and the system for people with no money is made from safety nets riddled with holes. My dad slipped through every last one until he landed on the street where he’s been ever since.

“Even today, there are still those who search for a truth they cannot see, a truth they fear. Who will kill in the name of their god and in doing their god’s work.”

But people sometimes choose irrational paths in search of reprieve from heartache.

“See? Not completely insufferable,” he murmurs. “No. I guess not.” “I was speaking to myself.”

But when it is a matter of survival, selflessness is harder to come by, and justifications are much easier. That is true of our kind, but also of any other.”

Actually, I was on my way to my room to set fire to this thing when the guards called for me, so thank you for ruining my plans.” His chuckle is dark. “I will gladly burn it for you.” “With me still in it?” I throw back. How does his affinity to Malachi’s element work? Could he do that? Set fire to someone’s clothes with a thought? “Don’t be silly. You’d remove it for me first.” His eyes flash to mine, his words painting an intimate image that makes me blush.

I guess that’s my answer to who carried me to bed, though I already suspected. I should be bothered by the idea that Zander was in my room while I was sleeping. I’m bothered by the fact that I’m not.

“Are you testing me?” “I’m always testing you, Romeria.” Quietly, he adds, “And you are always testing me.”

A slow, steady exhale slides from Kaders’s lips. “She went by Gesine.” That has to be a fake name. I would use one, if I were her.

This is G!!! Duh.

Zander’s exhale skates across my lips. “It would be a lot easier if you didn’t react the way you do to me.” “I can’t help it.” “Neither can I anymore, it would seem.”

An immortal key caster. You can create with your caster affinities and manipulate with your elven affinity. There has never been another one like you in our realm.”

“You’ve done everything wrong. You are hotheaded, you speak out of turn and do the opposite of what we agreed to, you antagonize me as if you have no fear of consequence. You continue to lie and deceive me. Your heart bleeds too much for the plight of mortals, and you seem willing to challenge anyone who doesn’t bleed the same.” He sighs, his hazel eyes settling on me, a brilliant kaleidoscope of gold in the setting sun. “You do everything wrong, and yet everything right.”