The Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller

“I asked her to protect you,” he said. “After.” I stared at him, dry-mouthed. “What did she say?” Another silence. Then, so quietly I could imagine the dull red shame of his cheeks, he answered, “She said no.”

I laughed out loud in the gym tonight reading this.

“Then promise me something else,” she says. “Promise me that whatever happens, you will not leave Troy without me. I know that you cannot—” She breaks off. “I would rather live as your sister than remain here.”

This took me all the way out. Their loyalty to each other is moving.