Imitation and Alchemy Quotes

“You’re greedy for time, Ben Vecchio.” Ben stayed silent. “Time,” Zeno said, “is the true treasure of this life. And who is more greedy for time than those of us clinging to the dark?” “You told me once you didn’t want to become a vampire,” Ben said quietly. “I didn’t!” Zeno said, sorting papers into a pile that he carefully placed in a grey document box. “I didn’t want to be a vampire. But that didn’t mean my sire was an idiot.” Zeno winced. “Unfortunate that I killed him before I knew that wasn’t strictly allowed. But he knew I’d come to terms with it.” “Why?” “Because I was a thief!” Zeno said with a grin. “And a gambler. And because in the end, my sire helped me pull off the greatest heist of my life. I stole time.” ❂”
― Elizabeth Hunter, Imitation and Alchemy

“Ben smiled his sweet, lazy grin and turned them in another circle. It was a crystal moment. A balmy summer night in Venice, the water lapping quietly at the dock as a beautiful boy danced with her under colored lanterns. A slow turn and whirl that reminded Tenzin she was alive. After everything… she was alive. She tucked the dance into a corner of her mind, next to the scattering of other crystal memories. A baby’s laughter. The feeling of stars inside her. A gentle brush of paint over bare skin. A familiar face stamped on the boy in front of her. An unexpected dance on a warm summer night.”
― Elizabeth Hunter, Imitation and Alchemy