But then Mason touches my neck, to the spot on it where the cut from that night has since healed, and I pull away. He was right, after all; it didn't leave a scar, though part of me wishes it had. At least I'd have some evidence, some justification of this permanence. Stains are even worse when you're the only one who can see them.

Leaving people to jumped conclusions is sometimes simpler than explaining a complicated truth

Losing me will hurt; it will be the kind of pain that won't feel real at first, and when it does, it will take her breath away.

It feels like the city is telling secrets down here, privy only to those who think to listen.

You?' is all I can manage to choke out. 'Always me,' she replies softly, bashfully. 'Who else?

How can it be so unclear to her when it's like the fingers on my hand to me?

I realize it’s not just Willem I’m looking for; it’s Lulu too.