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“Heart racing, Nesta lifted the lantern in one hand and gazed at the darkness, untouched by the light from the library high, high above. The heart of the world, of existence. Of self.

The heart of the House.

'This...' Her fingers tightened on the lantern. 'This darkness is your heart.'

As if in answer, the House laid a little evergreen sprig at her feet.

'A Winter Solstice present. For me.

She could have sworn warm hands brushed her neck in answer. 'But your darkness...' Wonder softened her voice. 'You were trying to show me. Show others. Who you are, down deep. What haunts you. You were trying to show them all those dark, broken pieces because the priestesses, and Emerie, and I... We're the same as you.'

Her throat constricted at what the House had gifted her. This knowledge.

She lifted the lantern higher and blew out its flame.

Let the darkness sweep in. Embraced it.

'I'm not afraid,' she whispered into it. 'You are my friend, and my home. Thank you for sharing this with me.'

Again, Nesta could have sworn that phantom touch caressed her neck, her cheek, her brow.

'Happy Solstice,' she said into the beautiful, fractured darkness.”
― Sarah J. Maas, A ​Court of Silver Flames