You're not in love if you keep your own heart bricked up behind your bones. You're only playing.
Catherynne M. ValenteHow much better if life were more like books, if life lied a little more, and gave up its stubborn and boring adherence to the way things can be, and thought a little more imaginatively about the way things might be.
Catherynne M. ValenteI have made calculations that would beggar your soul. What is it that villains always say at the end of stories? You and I are more alike than you think? Well,โ the Marquess took Septemberโs hand in hers and very gently kissed it. โWe are. Oh, how alike we are! I feel very warmly towards you, and I only want to protect you, as I wish someone had protected me. Come, September, look out the window with me. Itโs not a difficult thing. A show of faith, letโs call it.
Catherynne M. ValenteHere! 'Not thread nor glue, not nails nor screws, will ever self and shadow wed.' Helpful, those poet-types. Perhaps this one: 'Seek the grimy queen of dread machines, if you your errant shadow miss.' Now that's quite good! As a Prophetic Utterance, Third Class (Vague Hints and Mysterious Signs), you couldn't ask for better. It's downright plain-spoken!
Catherynne M. Valente