A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire, #2)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“They were willing to take that risk to protect you.” I opened my eyes. “They could’ve died.” “They know that.”

“I feel too many things. Curiosity and excitement that remind me of what I think yearning must feel like. Need. Want,” he said roughly, his voice low. “Amusement at times. Sometimes, even anger. But always awe. I am always in awe of you. I could keep going, but most of all, what I feel is the closest thing to peace I’ve ever experienced.”

Because once you become his Consort, you will no longer be a secret to protect.”

My heart. I…I loved him. I loved Nyktos?

“I believe it’s something you just know.” Aios squeezed my hand. “Because you would do anything for them. Anything. And you can’t fake or force that.”

“I want to tell you that you look beautiful,” he said, his voice as soft as the shadows moving around us, warm against my cheek. “But beautiful doesn’t adequately capture what I see. I don’t know if there is a word that does. You have taken my breath with yours.”

“Did you know that when a babe dies, their soul is reborn?” I turned my head to him. “No.” He nodded, his gaze flicking to Keella. “They’re the only souls that do not pass into the Shadowlands. Keella captures them and sends them back.”

“Not in the sense of how reincarnation is understood. You see, a babe who dies as their first breath is taken hasn’t truly lived. They have no past or present to relive. Keella gives them a rebirth. A chance to truly live.”

“And the blood and ash part?” “It is something the draken like to say,” he answered. “It has different meanings. Strength of the blood and bravery of the ash is one of them. Some believe it symbolizes balance and represents life and death.”

“I hate that you spent so long being made to feel that way. And I loathe that I likely added to that feeling. For that, I do not think I could apologize enough. You are seen and heard, liessa.”

“And you matter. Always.” Ash bent, pressing his lips to my temple. The chaste, sweet kiss was as shocking as his words. I melted like butter left in the sun.

“It has been far too many years since I’ve seen a benada. An imprimen. It is truly a blessing. A beautiful one.

“Your father would be so proud of you.”

“All those who serve as guards or soldiers do so out of choice, fully prepared to take on all the responsibilities of such a position.

“I trust no Primal one hundred percent.” He glanced at me. “Especially not when it comes to you.”

But you’ll be the true Primal of Life soon, as you always should have been. And that’s important.” “What’s important is that your life will be saved. That’s what matters.” My gaze cut to his. You matter. Always.

“There are a lot of things I regret. But keeping you out of Kolis’s hands is not one of them,”

“Thank you.” My eyes opened. “What are you thanking me for?” “For just… Just for being you,” he said.

“When the Primals began to feel emotion, so did the Arae.”

“Love makes anything possible. Makes anyone capable of the unexpected.”

Delfai’s gaze slid to Ash. “You will become what you were once meant to be after your father entered Arcadia. The true Primal of Life, and the King of Gods.”

“He must feed until the last drop of blood is taken. Until there is nothing but the embers left. Then, they will transfer to him. He will Ascend. But you…” He sighed. “You will not survive. You will die.”

“Her death will not come at my hands,”

“I want a future. I want to live. I want to experience a life where I have control of my future. I want us,”

“I never wanted to love. Not until you, liessa.”

“Blood. The strength of life. Ash. The bravery of death. Life and Death, if taken literally.”