Empire Quotes

“She left, leaving the four of them standing awkwardly in the sitting room. Once they heard the far doors click shut, Atar picked a book off of a shelf and sat down. He flipped it open. "Oh! This is a copy of Oswick's Illumination." "Uh-huh." Alister leaned through the archway, staring at the door as if he could peer through the wood. "I believe she is gone. Where’s the exit Tern mentioned?” "Hmm. Through here." Zara was already at the far end of the sitting room, and she eased open another brass latch. Felix caught a glimpse of a polished hallway on the other side. "The way is clear." "First edition," Atar said, waving the book. "Atar," Alister chided, "now isn't the time for reading." The fire mage looked scandalized. "It's always time for reading.”
― Nicoli Gonnella, Empire