“I told you this would never be easy, I warned you. I begged you to spare my heart if you weren’t ready for this fight.”

“What are you wrapped up in?' Roan whispered. Her anger and frustration had shifted to a sympathy that grated Vhalla.'I'm simply learning where I'm meant to be.' It was the only response because it was the truth.”

“Numbers remained consistent. Numbers and facts attempted to bring order from a chaotic world, to make sense of the impossible. They were the foundation for colossal structures and the tiniest of clockwork machines alike. Ari loved numbers, and not just because they saved her life by keeping her alert in her surroundings.”

“I have yet to discover if you will be my salvation or my demise.”

“Progress was never meant to be stinted, and even failures weren’t to be destroyed.”

“Well, if my crime is love, then I am indeed guilty”

“Every chance worth taking will make you a little scared. That means you're taking a risk. And where there is risk, there is reward.”

“You have to earn it.' Vhalla didn't know what else to say. She had trusted him, to lead her, to teach her, and he broke that trust. It wasn't as though it was something she could simply start again on command.”

“I am going to go into this world, and I don't care if you and your narrow mind cannot be a part of it.”

“I told you this would never be easy, I warned you. I begged you to spare my heart if you weren’t ready for this fight.”

“Stop. Stop trying to make the illusion of strength. You don't need it. Not here. Not now. Let yourself be sad until the real strength returns.”