There's no way to explain to a child that the line between good and evil isn't nearly as black and white as a fairy tale would lead you to believe. That an ordinary person can turn into a villain, under the right circumstances. That sometimes we dragon slayers do things we aren't proud of.

I could think whatever I wanted to, but realized that any promises I made myself were destined to be broken.

Extraordinary things are always hiding in places people never think to look.

In books, you always know what's coming next. There are no surprises.

There are so many ways a family can unravel. All it takes is a tiny slash of selfishness, a rip of greed, a puncture of bad luck. And yet, woven tightly, family can be the strongest bond imaginable.

Sometimes, all it takes to become human again is someone who can see you that way, no matter how you present on the surface.

You know how sometimes, your life is so perfect you’re afraid for the next moment, because it couldn’t possibly be quite as good? That’s what it felt like.