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

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“The Primal of Life is the most powerful being in all the realms, usurping all other Primals and gods,” Sir Holland said.

“You are the possibility of a future for all.”

If I had learned anything, it was that the truth led to a choice. And I now knew the truth about many things, which meant I had choices to make.

“Love is powerful, Seraphena.” Holland lifted his hand to my cheek, and the touch

carried a ripple of energy that hadn’t been there before. “More so than even the Arae could imagine.”

But he was Nyktos now. Not Ash. He’d never be Ash to me again.

“Does knowing what will happen change what you would do if presented with that choice again?”

Anger rose as I stared up at the Primal of Death. I latched onto it because it was far better than desperation and hopelessness.

“But I meant every word I said. You are brave and strong. You will be a Consort more than worthy of their swords and shields.”

And for the first time in my life, I felt like I was more than a destiny

“Heartmates usually only occur between two people whose unions are linked to some great purpose.”

“You never know how much you can take until you can’t take more,”

Needing me or anyone to look out for you doesn’t mean you’re weak, that you can’t defend yourself, or that you’re afraid. We all need someone to watch over us.”

“He is how you wish him to be,” he said. “As you are what you wish to be to those of the Shadowlands and beyond. That is up to you. No one else.”

No escaping from where my thoughts wanted to linger—a place that thrived on replaying all the worst moments.

I wasn’t used to such idleness. Such lack of purpose. It made my skin feel too tight and thin. A knot lodged in my throat, my thoughts becoming as heavy as my body felt. I leaned into the chaise, feeling as if I could sink into the soft upholstery and become a part of it until I faded away. And wouldn’t that be kind of lovely—?

“I think all of us have parts of us that are like our parents, but that doesn’t mean we are them.”

“Just because someone shares the same bloodline as you doesn’t mean they deserve your time or thoughts.”

I mean, it all has to be connected.” I laughed again. “I guess every aspect of one’s life is somehow connected—every choice to do or not do something creates a chain reaction. You can’t help but wonder exactly how much is preordained.”

“But none of your choices are preordained. Fate is not absolute. Fate is only a series of possibilities.”

“Nothing is more powerful, more life and realm-altering than the ability to feel. To experience emotion. Love. Hate. Desire. To care for oneself. To care for another.”

Just like the legends said happened to Primals when struck by deep sorrow. I’d cried tears of blood.

All I had to do was speak and share what I wanted.

I wished I was privileged enough to even think that being honest about feelings or needs was nothing more than a simple conversation.

A label. A title. A belief regarding what was good and what was bad changed everything. And it shouldn’t be that way.

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

“You. Not the godsdamn embers. Not the fucking realms. You matter.”

“Yes, there is.” His eyes were wide and wild as he caught my wrists. “I would’ve loved you if I could have. There would’ve been no stopping me.”

“I wish I’d never had my kardia removed.”

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