And just as love has two sides, so too does Death. While Ismae will serve as His mercy, I will not, for that is not how He fashioned me. Every death I have witnessed, every horror I have endured, has forged me to be who I am -- Death's justice.

... true faith never comes without anguish.

Whenever you are ready, or if you never are, my heart is yours.

You would throw away all that we have given you for a man’s love?” “Not a man’s love,” I say softly. “But Duval’s. And I would find a way to serve both my god and my heart. Surely He does not give us hearts so we may spend our lives ignoring them.

It is all we have left to us. And while it is more than I ever dared dream, it is nowhere near enough.

I have found it is surprisingly difficult to remain sad when a cat is doing its level best to sandpaper one's cheeks.

You are not my nursemaid. Remember, I am rescuing you.