He had preserved the best part of her and made it his own: the principle of her scent.

And because people are stupid and use their noses only for blowing, but believe absolutely anything they see with their eyes, they will say it is because this is a girl with beauty and grace and charm.

He realized that all his life he had been a nobody to everyone. What he now felt was the fear of his own oblivion. It was as though he did not exist.

...he came to the conclusion that you cannot depend on people, and that you can live in peace only if you keep them at arm's length.

He who ruled scent ruled the hearts of men.

How quickly the apparently solidly laid foundation of one's existence could crumble.

Bathed in sweat and trembling with agitation, no, not with agitation, but with fear, for he finally admitted it to himself: it was naked fear that had seized him, and in admitting it he grew calmer and his thoughts clearer.