Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment, #1)

by Rebecca Ross

Some days Roman was terrified he would turn into his father.

Conversations with her often didn’t quite make sense, as if Mrs. Kitt belonged more with ghosts than the living.

I love the words I write until I soon realize how much I hate them, as if I am destined to always be at war within myself.

A piece of armor, because I trust you. A glint of falling steel, because I feel safe with you.

“I don’t want to wake up when I’m seventy-four only to realize I haven’t lived.”

Rather, you take a risk for that light. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”

He was ready to write his own story.

I don’t think you realize how strong you are, because sometimes strength isn’t swords and steel and fire, as we are so often made to believe. Sometimes it’s found in quiet, gentle places. The way you hold someone’s hand as they grieve. The way you listen to others. The way you show up, day after day, even when you are weary or afraid or simply uncertain.

She has to survive this, Roman thought. He didn’t want to live in a world without her and her words.

I am so afraid. And yet how I long to be vulnerable and brave when it comes to my own heart.

I grew something living in a season of death.

“If I tell you anything else today, you’ll grow tired of me.” “Impossible,” he whispered.

That’s when I decided I would follow you. I didn’t want the life my father had planned for me—a life where I could never be with you.”

“Iris,” said Roman, “you are worthy of love. You are worthy to feel joy right now, even in the darkness. And just in case you’re wondering … I’m not going anywhere, unless you tell me to leave, and even then, we might need to negotiate.”

I am broken, full of contradictions. I wish I were brave, but I am so afraid, Kitt.