Cora

“I am his puzzle and he is my lock, and it's an arms race to solve the other first. But somewhere in all the knots and twists and trapdoors, he turned to an arsonist, leaving his embers in my veins, smoke on my tongue, a fire burning softly in my heart. And it will not die easy.”
― Margaret Owen, Little Thieves

“Can you imagine what that’s like – to be seen only for the life you could make, not the life you already possess?”
― Samantha Shannon, A Day of Fallen Night

“Some part of me has always looked for how I brought these things on myself. (...) And if I could figure out where I went wrong, they wouldn't call me stupid or throw things or strike me.

There had to be a reason for it. That made it something I could control. Something I could hope to stop.

It's the worst kind of relief for someone to say it was never in my control.”
― Margaret Owen, Little Thieves

“A queen should learn the ways of watching. Like a falcon, she waits for her moment to strike. She also knows when she need not strike at all – when her shadow, her presence, is more than enough.”
― Samantha Shannon, A Day of Fallen Night