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Quote by Lynne Ewing

“That night Serena dressed to meet Zahi. She used a metallic green eye shadow on the top lids and the outer half of the bottom lids so that her eyes looked like a jungle cat's. Two coats of black mascara completed them, and then she smudged a light gold gloss on her lips. She took a red skirt from the closet. The material was snakelike, shimmering black, then red. She slipped it on and tied the black strings of a matching bib halter around her neck and waist. She painted red-and-black glittering flames on her legs and rubbed glossy shine on her arms and chest. Finally, she took the necklace she had bought at the garage sale and fixed it in her hairline like the headache bands worn by flappers back in the 1920's. The jewels hung on her forehead, making her look like an exotic maharani. She sat at her dressing table and painted her toenails and fingernails gold, then looked in the mirror. A thrill jolted through her as it always did. No matter how many times she saw her reflection after the transformation, her image always astonished her. She looked supernatural, a spectral creature, green eyes large, skin glowing, eyelashes longer, thicker. Everything about her was more forceful and elegant- an enchantress goddess. She couldn't pull away from her reflection. It was as if the warrior in her had claimed the night.”

Quote by Lynne Ewing

Work

Into the Cold Fire

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Author

Lynne Ewing
Lynne Ewing

Lynne Ewing, born in 1938, is an accomplished author known for her works in both children's literature and adult fiction. Her writing is celebrated for its rich imagination and emotional depth. more

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“Serena Killingsworth walked toward them, carrying her cello in a brown case. Her short hair, currently colored Crayola-red, was twisted into bobby-pin curls. A nose ring glistened on the side of her nose. She wore purple lipstick, red-brown shadow around her green eyes, and a smile that seemed to hold a secret. She was new at school. Vanessa liked her look and especially admired the way she seemed so oblivious to what other people thought about her.”

“Serena walked off campus and when she was sure no one was watching, she headed down a side street, then ran over to La Brea. Stanton's car was parked in from of Pink's hot dog stand. Its sleek black metal reflected the late afternoon sun. He glanced up and smiled in recognition. He walked up to her and wrapped his arms tenderly around her. She pressed against him, enjoying his gentle touch. Then he kissed the top of her head and she looked up at him, her eyes now unguarded. "Ready?”

“Too many dangerous emotions swirled around her. She felt disgust with herself for wanting him so desperately. She tried to stop the aching need that spread through her body. It was her mission to protect people from Followers. From Stanton. She couldn't allow herself to like him. She stopped abruptly and looked up at him. "You can't fight it," Stanton said. Did he too think she would betray her destiny? How could she trust him? In the past he had deceived and betrayed Vanessa. Stanton looked at her and she knew he was reading her distrust. "I appreciated the kindness Vanessa showed me, but I never felt the connection with her that I feel with you. I've liked you since the first time our minds met in combat. I've more than liked you, Serena." His hand touched her cheek. She remembered that battle. How strange it had been. She had suspected even then that he had been teasing and playful, not really trying to destroy her. She shook her head. "I'm telling you the truth," he insisted. She felt hot tears gather in her eyes. He was telling the truth. But their kind of relationship would always be forbidden. "That night when we walked on the beach you told me you were willing to risk it. You promised to defy everyone to be with me.”

“Why aren't you afraid of the curse?" He smiled bitterly. "Because I am already cursed." The words chilled her. She almost felt sorry for him. "My offer stands," he whispered and then he dissolved into shadow. She stood in the darkness and wondered why he so desperately wanted the manuscript if not to give it to the Atrox. Still he didn't seem as bad as she had once thought. She could almost understand why Serena liked him so much.”

“He scanned the crowd for Serena. She stood next to Jimena in silver hip huggers and a frosty top. Rhinestones and crystals sparkled in her hair like stars. Jimena wore a sequin-covered purple velvet dress. Their bodies glowed. He wanted to see a sadness on Serena's face that matched his own. Some sign that she missed him the way he ached for her.”