It's the way he says my name: like music.

He’s speaking in the tone of voice that everyone uses when they’re about to break you apart. Gentle—kind, even—like they can make the news sound better just by speaking in a lullaby voice.

I was glad when the invalids were executed

I screamed until my voice dried up in my throat. We all did. All of us in Ward Six, all of us forgotten, left to rot.

When he speaks again, I can tell that he's smiling. "So I guess we saved each other.

In one of the tents, Julian is sleeping. And in another: Alex

Fear. Blame. Don't forget. Mom. I love you. -Lauren Oliver, Delerium