I don't want this life to end," said Alexander. "The good, the bad, the everything, the very old, to ever end.

I'm going to die with Alexander's hand on my face, Tatiana thought. That is not a bad way to die. I cannot move. I can't get up. Just can't. She closed her eyes and felt herself drifting. Through the haze in front of her she heard Alexander's voice. "Tatiana, I love you. Do you hear me? I love you like I've never loved anyone in my whole life. Now, get up. For me, Tatia. For me, please get up and go take care of your sister. Go on. And I'll take care of you.

I'll take your breath any way you give it to me, Shura.

You have amazing gifts. Don't squander them. Don't give them out meaninglessly, don't abuse them, don't take them for granted. You are the weapon you carry with you till the day you die. -Tatiana and Alexander

There are some battles, no matter how much you don’t want to fight them, that you just have to fight. That are worth giving your life for.

Please stop looking at me, she thought, afraid of his eyes and terrified of her own heart.

Tatiana realized she was too young to hide well what was in her heart but old enough to know that her heart was in her eyes.