Shadows of Self (Mistborn, #5)

by Brandon Sanderson

“Still breaks our rules,” MeLaan said. “And Harmony probably wouldn’t talk.” “Why not?” Marasi said. “You realize what all this has done to Waxillium, right?” “He’ll weather it.” “He shouldn’t have to.” “And what would you have Harmony do, woman? Give us all the answers? Lead us by the noses, like Paalm swore that He did? Turn us all into pieces on a board for His amusement?” Marasi stepped back. She’d never heard such a tone from MeLaan. “Or maybe you want it the other way?” MeLaan snapped. “Leave us alone completely? Not intervene at all?” “No, I—” “Can you imagine what it must be like? Knowing that any action you take is going to help some, but hurt others? Save a man’s life now, let him spread a disease that kills a child later in his life. Harmony does the best He can—the best possible, by the very definition. Yes, He hurt Wax. He hurt him badly. But He put the pain where He knew it could be borne.”