Born of Blood and Ash

“It doesn’t matter if that is the truth when it’s not what others believe. Maybe that is wrong of me to say, but it’s reality. And maybe what I’m about to say is also wrong. Talk to Nyktos. Tell him before someone takes what should be your words to share and weaponizes them.”

“Liessa. While I would appreciate you discussing such things as this with me first, I also expect that your temperament will prevent that on occasion.”

“I know, but theoretically, some could view the Awakening as inevitable and seek to control it. Some could believe it is the only way to save the realms.”

“Because no two people, Primal or mortal, should decide everything, especially when it comes to things they have no experience with and others do. Power should be shared.”

“It wasn’t the Arae who acted to restore balance. The very essence itself did.”

“You are what has been snipping those threads—ending some and weaving new ones. Trust your instincts. For if what comes from this meeting is war, it will not end, not until there is blood and bone.”

“Undressing you is always what I have in mind.”

“Yet another example of how much of a fucking idiot Kolis is.”

“I know what you are, but just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.”

“I would’ve seen the realms burn if I lost you. You may not believe I would’ve allowed that to happen, just as you believe my decency extends beyond you, but it doesn’t. I would’ve gladly seen it all burn.”

“That you and Sotoria are of the same bloodline? Yes. That is what I’m saying. Sotoria was never randomly reborn into anyone. She was always reborn in the Mierel bloodline.”

“The difference is that I feel the same way for Nyktos as he does for me. Yeah, maybe he’s obsessed with me, but I am also obsessed with him. It’s consensual. Mutual.”

“Yeah, and we already know our answer. Starts with go and ends with fuck yourself.”

“Awed. I’m in fucking awe of you. My Queen.”

“It is your right, as you rule all. You hold within your hands the ability to reward and to condemn.”

“You don’t just live with it. You accept what you did. You learn from it.”

“Leave this place and never return. There is nothing but death here—in the Blood Forest.”

“I never desired to be a Queen or to rule anything or anyone. I never wanted that kind of power, and I still don’t. But I understand this cannot be changed. I just don’t know how I’m supposed to be a Queen, let alone the Primal of Life.”