Seth moved behind me, his presence steady and reassuring. Waiting to catch me, even though I refused to fall just yet.

Isn’t it obvious, Sage? No, of course it isn’t. I did it so I’d have a reason to be around you — one I knew you couldn’t refuse.

That's pretty weird—and when I say something's weird, you know it's serious.

You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth. You have no clue of how beautiful you are or how brightly you shine.

Fiery and sweet, all at the same time. A flame in the dark, lighting my way.

You and I have never liked each other, Rose. If I’ve got to kill someone, it might as well be you.

But all I could see was her. No skill of mine, no artist anywhere, could’ve immortalized how gorgeous she was. It was impossible to believe she’d ever had any doubts about her body. The firelight shone on her skin, golden and perfect, making her look like some radiant goddess of legend. I wanted to kneel before her and offer eternal obedience.