Know this: the battle within is often greater than the battle without. Much of this war will be fought amongst those claiming to be friends, with words rather than swords. Do not let the politics discourage you, and never forget who you are truly fighting – and what you are fighting for.

You can be my girlfriend, if you want,” Jordan said, winking at her.

At those times when I thought it’d be safer for everyone if I was... gone... all I had do was feel the ink thrumming under my skin. Feel the reminder of what had been taken from me. And I knew I couldn’t do that to someone else, couldn’t put anyone I cared about through that kind of pain.

They both looked down at Alex who, unsuccessful in her butterfly-catching attempt and bored of their conversation, was wiggling her eyebrows up and down over and over again, trying to raise one without the other. Why was it so difficult?

Let me guess,” Alex said, rubbing her arm from his nearly bruising grip. “The elders hang here?” Creepy church-like building for creepy vampire-like creatures? It made sense in her mind. “The elders do not hang,” Caspar Lennox said, his distaste for her word choice clear.

Words demand respect. They are beautiful; they are terrible. They are a gift and a curse. I will never forget what they can do.

I loved my brother and I understand why he thought he couldn’t live the future laid before him, but I also hate him a little for leaving me like that. And also for the message he left behind – one that he himself didn’t listen to. He let them brake him. And in turn, his death nearly broke me.

Life is full of crossroads Alex, full of choices.

The Sword of the Stars,” Xiraxus repeated. “The Bringer of Light. The Blade of Glory. The Weapon of the Ages.

The future was a terrifying thing; something that, no matter how strong her will, she had no control over. But she did have a choice. A choice not to fear what was yet to come. Because fear would keep her from doing what she knew she had to do.