A Castle of Sand

Let the sandcastle collapse. In its place, I will build a fortress—one that the waves of nature and time could never destroy.

At that realization, I swore to myself that through it all, I would always be by his side. Let the sandcastle collapse. In its place, I will build a fortress—one that waves could never destroy.

He told me things as they were, told me that I could rise up from my past and be better. The reason we could never be together was because I believed that I was irreparable and he didn’t share the same conviction. Being with him meant constantly disappointing him just by being who I was.

feels like a sandcastle; temporary and something that the waves of life and time will soon ruin…

Can’t you just trust me, Prince Charming?” “I told you not to call me that.” “No… you told me not to call you Prince Derek.” Laughter was in her voice. “Will you just come with me?

After we’d first slept together, I’d never told anyone, but I’d struggled deep inside. As I’d sketched his image the morning after I lost my virginity to him, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of insecurity and fear. I had just given him all of me in the span of a night. He’d been my first kiss, my first love… my first everything. On the other hand, for him, I was only one among many women who had come before me. Doubts about him losing interest in me and me being unable to equal the more experienced women he’d been with had plagued me.

She lit up the darkness surrounding The Shade, and for a kingdom that had no mornings, only eternal night, her light was life.

And that, I realized, was the reason for the tears. I could be there for her for as long as she lived, but she wouldn’t be there for me. The realization strengthened my resolve to make every moment I had with her a memory worth keeping.

Shut up, Ashley.” I turned back to address Sofia.

It’s like they’re communicating through Bluetooth or something,” Ashley muttered under her breath.

One that the waves of life and time would soon ruin,

Siempre es libre para amar, confiar y aceptar a los demás. Nunca construye muros a su alrededor para protegerse de lo que otros podrían hacerla sufrir. Sigue dispuesta a perdonar y recibir con los brazos abiertos las cosas que realmente importan en la vida.»

She was a gentle soul who loved people and who loved life.

Is he treating you right? Is he treating you the way I should’ve when you were still mine?

My life was no longer about myself or the prophecy I had to fulfill. It had just become entirely about Sofia.

Excitement sparked in her green eyes. Her zest for life was one of the many things I loved about Sofia Claremont. She lit up the darkness surrounding The Shade, and for a kingdom that had no mornings, only eternal night, her light was life.

but now I’m not so sure. Maybe you and Derek really are

dowry—a dowry that was quickly spent on gambling, women and ale.

I know you’re immortal, Gregor Novak, but know that we all pass away eventually. At least I will pass away with dignity.

What’s wrong?” I asked her. She shook her head and smiled amidst the tears. “Nothing. Nothing’s wrong. Not as long as you’re here.

for a kingdom that had no mornings, only eternal night, her light was life.