The Fire Queen

Sky in our lungs, land beneath our feet, fire in our soul, and water in our blood.

When the day was made, so was the night. When man was made, so was his shadow. The Void dwells in darkness, and life dwells in light. The Voider cannot cross over to where light reigns unless he’s invited. But once welcomed, everything the gods created would be consumed by evernight.

His regret humbles me to a place of reflection.

am the stream in both its forms: calm on the exterior, raging inside.

We do not choose the circumstances we are born into or the gods’ will for us, but which shapes us the most? Do our parents’ choices bind us to an inescapable fate or do our own?

The sun may not be shining yet, but dawn’s first ray is coming.

Or if you cannot muster gratitude, at the very least you can manage silence.

Priestess Mita used to say that the sky has two faces, day and night. But the night doesn’t actually rule. Only when the sun turns its back on the world does night appear. You are light, Kalinda. You cannot turn your back on your godly purpose. Whatever choices you made, you made them with approval from the gods.” She grips my hand in hers. “The sun may not be shining yet, but dawn’s first ray is coming.

Your fate may not seem to be leading you where you want to go, but following it will bring you more peace than you could dream.

From the door, I glance back at the dragon cobra lying dead at the sultan’s feet and wonder what the snake did wrong besides being exactly as the gods intended.

Water douses the flame, wind feeds the flame, land cups the flame, and I . . . I rule the flame.

Why must I continually prove my worthiness?

My father does not deserve my sorrow, only relief. He can no longer torment anyone.