“I love you, she said. Khalid lifted his head to hers. She placed a hand against his cheek. Beyond words.”

“For without a measure of arrogance, how can one attempt the impossible?”

“In your honesty, I saw a reflection of myself. Or rather, of the man I longed to be. So I failed you. I didn’t stay away. Then, later, I thought if I had answers, it would be enough. I would no longer care. You would no longer matter. So I continued failing you. Continued wanting more. And now I can’t find the words to say what must be said. To convey to you the least of what I owe. When I think of you, I can’t find the air to b r e a t h e.”

“I suspect she will be like air. Like knowing how to breathe.”

“It was a quiet taunt...a poisoned glass of wine, meant to intoxicate and exsanguinate.”

“Without risk, life is far too predictable”

“What are you doing to me, you plague of a girl?” he whispered.“If I’m a plague, then you should keep your distance, unless you plan on being destroyed.”“No. Destroy Me.”

“I believe the stars align so souls can find one another. Whether they are meant to be souls in love or souls in life remains to be seen.”

“The stars could fall - the moon could crash from the heavens - and Mariko could not care.”

“I love you, she said. Khalid lifted his head to hers. She placed a hand against his cheek. Beyond words.”

“This dangerous girl. This captivating beauty.This destroyer of worlds and creator of wonder.”