A Touch of Light (The Ashes of Avarin, #1)

by Thiago Abdalla

A stacked circle of crescent moons emblazoned on his chest showed the Sign of the Breath. A Sentinel.

Hypocrites. They wore the mask of piousness, but it was nothing more than fear of losing their so-called blessings. They’d be struggling just the same if their brothers were lying on the pyre.

“Where’re you going?” Iallo asked. “Anywhere away from”—she gestured towards them—“this.” Someplace where your emotions aren’t trying to drown me.

Her feet were on the ground, but this was like standing over an abyss. Nothing around her. No pressure, no emotion trying to break through. Strangely liberating. Peaceful, even.

All life that is wasted must be taken.

Nasha was sure she could convince the Tivezzi to read the stones and reveal the path to the First Tree. She could be rid of her curse. She could be in control.

For a religion focused on life, its faithful sure enjoyed the ending of it.