You cannot save every fallen bird," said Woolsey. "One will do," said Magnus.

I shall charm him with such force that when I am done, he will be left lying limply on the ground, trying to remember his own name.

Maybe that was why she couldn't cry, she realized, staring dry-eyed at the ceiling. Because what was the point in crying when there was no one there to comfort you? And what was worse, when you couldn't even comfort yourself?

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death.

The conviction that everyone in this house must be dead had gained such a hold on Magnus that it was a shock when the woman who had summoned him here opened the door.

The way Magnus’ breath had sounded, rattling in his chest, before he’d said his father’s name.

Despite everything, I can’t bear the thought of this ring being lost forever, any more than I can bear the thought of leaving you forever. And though I have no choice about the one, at least I can choose about the other.