The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed (Albert Einstein)

Matthew kept hinting that his desire - for blood, chiefly- was so strong that it put everything else at risk. But vampires weren’t the only creatures who had to manage such strong impulses. Much of what qualified as magic was simply desire in action. Witchcraft was different- that took spells and rituals. But magic? A wish, a need, a hunger too strong to be denied- these could turn into deeds when they cross a witch’s mind.

It begins with absence and desire. It begins with blood and fear. It begins with a discovery of witches.

If the butterfly wings its way to the sweet light that attracts it, it's only because it doesn't know that the fire can consume it.

All that children need is love, a grown-up to take responsibility for them, and a soft place to land.

Are you smelling me?” After yesterday I suspected that my body was giving him all kinds of information I didn't want him to have. “Don't tempt me,” he murmured.

there’s nothing more powerful than human fear—not magic, not vampire strength. Nothing.