Long Live

Sweetheart, you are never a burden to me. I would burn the world down with you, if that’s what you needed.

One could never have too many pockets. Or daggers.

Everyone needs a friend who makes them want to shine when the darkness threatens to creep in.

It was funny, she thought, how one could be two sides of the same coin. A hero to some, and a villain to others.

You never know what’s truly in the hearts of people until you give them power,” Jade said quietly.

She tried to ignore the sensation, reminding herself that he was an obstinate and slightly arrogant immortal being whom she would be parting with soon. Who had eyes like a storm that threatened to sweep her away.

She had never been afraid of the dark— at least, not the peaceful dark of a night sky with shining stars winking down at her. The idea that the universe was so vast and endless made her worries feel smaller. There was comfort in knowing the world was much bigger than what plagued her life.

You have got to be kidding me, Isla thought, gritting her teeth. There was no way she was going to be the object of some testosterone-induced tug-of-war.

On a cloudless night like this, the stars appeared closer than ever. They were her constant companions, shining even in the daylight when she was unable to see them. But when the twilight faded and the inky expanse of night stretched across the heavens… this was when the stars made themselves known, their brilliance awakened, their fervor unmatched. They spoke to her. Whispered their secrets. The stars too knew darkness, but they didn’t let that keep them from breaking through the black night to rise anew.

Long live, and may they reign forever

Life was full of sacrifices, but today would not be the day she became one.

Long life, and may they reign forever

You wouldn’t want me on a throne, Sebastian.” “And why is that?” His words skated across her cheeks. “Because I would make wretched men like you kneel at my feet as I cut them down.