Princess of Souls

Nox blinks. "Are you flirting with me?" I roll my eyes. "I'm threatening to kill you." A lazy smile spreads across his lips. "Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference with you.

Stories have great power. They should never be destroyed.

No matter where you are, the sun always has to rise... Not even the darkest of days are permanent.

Death has a habit of getting its way.

Be careful." I say. "And if anything happens, don't be afraid to sacrifice Micah's life to save your own." "Oh, I will use him as a human shield in a heartbeat," she says earnestly.

You know," I say, clearing my throat, "When Leo told you to hold onto something, he didn't mean me." Selestra's eyes widen and she pushes me away.

You're lucky," he says as I approach. "A lot of girls would love to keep my hair in a locket close to their hearts." I raise my eyebrows. "How unfortunate for them to have lost their minds so young." Nox's lips curve upward. "I am known to drive women crazy." I roll my eyes.

You're not my type," she tells him plainly. Micah frowns, like that might just be impossible. "What did your last partner have that I don't?" "Breasts.

You're unbelievable." "You say that a lot. I might just start taking it as a compliment.

I'm being serious." "You're always serious, it's a real personality flaw.

Scars aren't a bad thing. They show that you've lived, and who wants to live without dying?

You're making a list of all my bad ideas?" I ask. [...] Micah nods. "It's a long damn list.

Then the doors open and together we walk through.

Just because something's dangerous, it doesn't mean it's not worth it. Sometimes, the riskiest things reap the greatest rewards.

It's fine," I say, shrugging it off. "I'm fine." It's the biggest lie I've ever told.

Magic is fire and I've never let mine burn

He's not trying to escape death, he's seeking it out.

Trust isn't just about letting go of doubt, it's about letting go of the past and looking to the future.

She's made of dark magic and I can't ever forget it - if she let's it, it'll burn through the world.

The boy is a blade of handsomeness, with light brown skin and midnight hair that curls by his ears. His eyes are the colour of winter leaves. They catch mine briefly and then seem to go right through me.

There's nothing stronger than a dream that wants to live, and I've been dreaming of touch, of conversation, my whole life.

The king doesn't just kill people," Nox says, taking in my words. "He destroys them too. Takes everything they are and keeps it for himself.

He's a shadow in this world, ever present, and with my mother by his side there will never be enough light to cast him out.

This castle is lonely enough without having to be alone in it.

Me and my stolen princess, drifting away from Vasiliades and into the night.