A River Enchanted (Elements of Cadence, #1)

by Rebecca Ross

. I think I would know you anywhere.”

“I imagine what it would be like to be immortal, to hold no fear of death. To dance and burn for an endless era. And I think how dull such an existence would be. That one would do anything to feel the sharp edge of life again.”

He had been merely existing for the past eight months. And yet he noticed Sidra’s hands like they were sunlight, burning away the last of his fog.

He flexed his hand, and she wondered if he disliked touching her.

“Let them be appalled, let them talk. Let them say whatever they want. It will soon fade, I promise you. And when it fades . . . it will be you and me and the truth. And that is all that matters in the end.”

“None of them are the one that I want,” she breathed.

She saw the light in her brother. She knew why Adaira had chosen him.

I tried to turn myself into stone. To not feel anything. But now I realize that it is better to live, to feel and have a clean break than be half-dead and cold, cracked from resentment.”

“He is afraid of losing you, first in heart, then in body. And if you follow me to the grave, he will not be far behind you. His soul has found its counterpart in yours, and he belongs with you, even after Death’s sting.”

That you and I are complements, that we are made to clash and sharpen each other like iron. That you and I will stay bound together by that which is nameless and runs deeper than vows, until the very end, when the isle takes my bones into the ground and my name is nothing but memory carved into a headstone.”

“I was glad to feel something stir within me after years of being cold and empty. I just never imagined I would find it in you.” It was like she had stolen the very words from his mouth. And he wanted them back.

A weed is just a plant out of place, her grandmother had once said to her. Treat them kindly, even if they are a nuisance, for they can make a faithful ally amongst the spirits.

“There is no failure in love,” she said and covered the furrows. The soil was rich; it swallowed a portion of her grief. “And I have loved without measure.” In this, I am complete.

Sidra forever

He was parched, and he longed to drink her in. “I love you, Sidra. My love for you knows no bounds.” She was quiet. But she

“From your life came mine. I would not exist if you had been born in the east. I am but a verse inspired by your chorus, and I will follow you until the end, when the isle takes my bones and my name is nothing more than a remembrance on a headstone, next to yours.”

“Don’t cry, Mummy,” Maisie said, patting her shoulder. Sidra wept even harder.

“I play for Adaira and Adaira alone.”