The Black Tides of Heaven

Because he had always known, even as a child, that he was the lightning, while she was the fire in the core of planets. And the world needed both. Revolutions needed both. Someone had to wield the knives, but someone also had to write the treaties.

People make mistakes, they can’t be mistakes.

“The saying goes, ‘The black tides of heaven direct the courses of human lives.’ To which a wise teacher said, ‘But as with all waters, one can swim against the tide.’”
His gaze was unshakeable as it fixed on Akeha. “I chose to swim. So can you.”

Some things might be fixed, but everything around them can be changed. That’s the part that counts.

“But I don’t understand the purpose of twins.” She must have had a reason for conceiving two children.
“It was an accident,” Sonami said. “Conception through slackcraft has its risks.”
“But why would she keep both infants?”
Sonami stared. “Mother is not infinitely cruel.”