A Light in the Flame

“Either way, you’re not weak, Sera. Not physically, but more importantly, not mentally. You are one of the strongest people I’ve ever met, mortal or not. With or without the embers.”

“I don’t know why death smells like that, but lilacs are special. They represent renewal, and both life and death are that—a renewal. If you ever see lilacs like this near water in the mortal realm, you can be assured that you’re near a gateway to Iliseeum—to Dalos, in particular.”

“Daddy Nyktos is not happy.”

“I didn’t realize that Primals—or men in general—had such little control over their cocks.”

“The powerful, beautiful poppies that also remind me of hope. Those poppies are the hope of life. The power of those embers. Proof that life cannot be defeated, not even in death.”

“For fuck’s sake, Sera. There is such a thing as being too bold. Too brave.”

“Prophecies are fucking pointless.”

“I doubt you prefer the taste of eyes more than your steed, but refer to me as an accessory again, and it will be you who feeds on them.”

“Perhaps I should’ve left with Nektas. I wonder if he would’ve…enjoyed putting me down for a nap. He did seem to like my gown.”

“Ash grew up seeing that loss and sadness every time he looked in his father’s eyes. He felt that himself, never knowing his mother’s touch or hearing her voice. But Ash doesn’t fear becoming his father. He fears becoming his uncle.”

“Either way, I will not play the I-don’t-want-you-but-no-one-else-can-have-you game. With you or anyone.”

“The essence in a god’s blood has many effects, but they come on far quicker and stronger when it’s the blood of a Primal.”

“What you did to protect me isn’t why I feel that way. I wanted to be more to you than a Consort in title only before I learned about that. What it did was help me understand a bit of what I saw. We don’t need to talk about it if you don’t want to. But know that if you don’t kill her, I will find a way to do it myself.”

“She will die without the love of the one who Ascends her—a love that cannot be ignored. A love that must be acknowledged.”

“I told you because I knew no other way to tell you what I know to be true—just in case you decide to follow this destiny you believe to be yours. It doesn’t matter what soul you carry inside you. What does is whether or not Kolis is capable of loving again, even his graeca. And he’s not. There’s nothing but rot and decay where his kardia should be. Kolis has no weakness.”

“You have no idea what Nyktos has had to give up. What he’s been through. What he’s sacrificed for you, and then for you—”

“She’s not the enemy at the end of the day. You should know that. But if you don’t, all you have to do is go back out onto the Rise and look at the lives lost.”

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