Curse of Shadows and Thorns (The Broken Kingdoms, #1)

by L.J. Andrews

“Your heart does not live here,”

“There isn’t much time.”

“Don’t fear the past, trust those undeserving of it⁠—”

“When you see the beast within, let him in to let him go.”

“The only hands I consider capable are my own.”

“Ah, but you have never experienced what mine can do.”

“This is my refuge. Books are my windows to another world, another life. Being a woman, you must know I’m not permitted to travel.”

“I expect nothing to be done for me, but to be allowed to live as I wish.”

“Did you truly have every desire to vow with Calder? Or was there ever a thought that perhaps someone else might make you happy? Might love you?”

“Don’t pretend you haven’t noticed Herr Legion looks more like he breaks trees for amusement rather than indulging in spiced red and cakes.”

“I was told once, each decision we wrestle in our minds, each consequence we weigh, is how we gain faith in our final choices. We take time to decide who we are and when we choose, as you said, we stand by those choices fiercely.”

“I ask how I am to give you to some fool because I do not know how. How am I to accomplish anything I set out to do here when my heart burns to have you for myself?”

“I am forever changed knowing you.”

“I hope soon you will simply be forever changed into who you once were.”

“I may know my name, but I have yet to question for whom my heart beats.”