The Bones of Crystal Sand Quotes

“Isn’t it unfortunate that women are forced to be the ones always on guard around men?” she replied, avoiding the question. “Be cautious about how we dress, keep our chins down, don’t speak unless spoken to. It’s always our fault, our actions that excuse what they do to us, never about reprimanding men for their disgusting behavior. They are never taught how to act. They are never held accountable.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Sometimes I think that if I were really as reckless as I claim to be, I would have decided on a path already, but I can’t find… whatever it is I’m supposed to find. Maybe everyone is right, and I’m worthless. Maybe I’m not smart enough, or brave enough, or bold enough to step away from the comforts I’ve grown accustomed to. Maybe deep down, I’m more afraid of ending up alone.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“I didn’t say anything about your herbal affinity because one day, you’re going to find your people. The people you don’t have to be embarrassed in front of or hide your gift.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Honestly, I wish everyone would respect all forms and combinations of magic for what they are.” “Which is what?” Brela asked, leaning back on her heels. Elias shrugged. “Magic, plain and simple. I’m sick of people thinking that having more than one god’s magic is tainted when it’s beautiful. Sick of people thinking shadow magic is a curse when they don’t understand it. Sick of them thinking that affinities like senses, healing, and herbal are lesser.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“It wasn’t too early to propose to this woman, right? He didn’t even care that he knew nothing about her; he was pretty sure she was exactly what he’d been looking for between drunken nights and disappointing his parents. Besides, at this point, he wouldn’t care if she was shadow-kind or raised by sirens off the coast of Severina.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Can you blame a man for trying to impress a beautiful woman?” “If you think muscles and tattoos are the only way to get a woman to spread her legs for you, I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed at the end of the night.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“You are never satisfied,” the water wielder finally breathed. “Why do you always exhaust me before your turn?” Brela smirked. “Mmm, because your noises are my own source of pleasure.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Neither of us are alone any longer. I’m here for as long as you’ll have me.” Brela grinned and flashed her teeth. “Then you better get comfortable.” She pressed a quick kiss to Farrah’s lips, this time nipping slightly as she pulled away and gestured to the cottage. “Welcome home, Farrah.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Good. Because one day I want to show you how beautiful you are, inside and out.” That thumb trailed down her throat, between her breasts, as Brela leaned toward her ear and kissed the soft skin underneath. “I will worship you. I’ll show you what a real touch should feel like.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Why would you want such a ridiculous scar? Every time I see it I’m going to remember that I threw a knife at a loaf of bread and missed.” “That’s not how I see it,” Brela said, sliding her fingers through Farrah’s. Light, pale blueish-purple eyes met hers. “I see it as a reminder of you deciding to take charge and fight back. I see it as a bonding moment between two strong women who were learning to protect themselves and others. I see it as a reminder that scars don’t make us weak or broken or unworthy of love.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“I want to know how you fight. I never want to be caught off guard like I was that night.” Brela looked ready to argue against it, so Farrah stepped back and lifted her chin. “If I figured out that the Night Terror was a Veil Worshipper, others won’t be far behind. You need to throw them off your trail, especially if you’re also hiding shadow magic, which means you need different targets. Teach me so I can help. Teach me so I can make sure no woman ever suffers like we did again.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Farrah, I can’t promise that the pain will go away, but you never have to feel ashamed for it ever again. About anything.” That thumb continued to run in soft patterns over her cheek. “I promise that I will never let anyone touch you again without your permission.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“You are not tainted. You are not weak for bearing scars. You are not a burden.” She breathed. “You survived. You are brave and strong and worthy of the magic inside you. Of the love and beauty inside you. And you are worthy of being loved and protected. It doesn’t make you weak, it makes you strong to accept a hand and trust that you are not alone or lost in this world. And, if you want, you will never be alone again.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Farrah, I don’t care about what you did, and you never have to explain yourself—to me or to anyone else—unless you choose to. I’m smart enough to figure out that he was a monster, and we can leave it at that. I will never ask you anything more about it. But I need you to understand something.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Can I get you water?” Brela asked. “I just have to go down for a minute to fetch it. Three minutes at most, because I really need to pee.” Farrah frowned and cleared her throat. “You could have gone while I was sleeping.” Brela looked at her like she had grown another head. “You asked me not to leave you. So I didn’t.” She stared for a moment before dropping her eyes to the knife in Brela’s hand. “You sat up here and guarded me all night?” “Yes.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Farrah, one day I’ll take you to the moon temple.” “Why?” “Because I never want that smile of yours to stop.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Earth and moon blessed,” Brela continued. “Water and ice from Euota… what magic did Alinora give you?” “Healing,”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“He may have loved harder, but his cruelty grew just as quickly.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Part of her was terrified of what Ovir would turn into without his father. Because it wasn’t the first time she’d seen the glint in Ovir’s eye as he ordered her to find Dernian’s killer that made her want to fall to her knees. The glare so similar to the one Dernian wore when he was delighting in some cruel punishment was becoming more common on Ovir, even before his father’s death.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Arms and face dripping with sweat—and some blood, from wounds she didn’t remember getting—she surveyed the pit. Silence surrounded her—not just in the arena, where at least one hundred males and females lay unconscious or incapacitated, but above her. Sand sprites stood motionless in the crystal stands around the pit. Not even the sand trembled underneath her.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Oni said it would be fun. I agreed. Plus, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you go full Night Terror.” If only he knew that what she’d done was nowhere near what the real Night Terror was capable of—what magic and evil the shard embedded in her skin unleashed when she lost control. If he knew the real version of her, he wouldn’t be smirking right now.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“If you can’t get out completely, make your own rules. I guarantee there are people who won’t care about what you possess. There will be people who see you for that beauty you display—your mind, your heart—no matter how much you try to pretend you don’t have kindness in that soul of yours. You may have to look for them, but you’ll know when you meet them. Make your own family of your choosing. Of people who see the goodness in you.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“I don’t have a home anymore. That was stolen from me, just like my family.” “Make one.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“You don’t have people you trust back home? Friends?” Brela let out a snort. “Home?” She laughed again. “I don’t have a home anymore. That was stolen from me, just like my family.” “Make one.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Because you’re the strongest shadow magic wielder the sprites have ever smelled, and suppressing it hasn’t affected who you are deep down.” He held up a finger before she could protest. “Yes, even when we walked with the shadow kind, no one had the strength you possess. No one would be able to control that much, either. Your power makes the wind around you silent, just like the wall. It is masking something incredibly powerful within you. That shard gave you something special, but you shove it away. I understand why… but you should also know that you would be able to do some incredible things if you let that power in.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“I tried to cut it out, but it’s molded into my bone. I have no idea how. No one does. So I can’t get rid of it, I can’t use it, and I’m forced to hide everything I am for the rest of my miserable, trapped life.” She tapped a finger on the black and purple obsidian. “Tell me how that isn’t a curse.” Oni raised his hand, fingers lifting her chin so she met his eyes. “Because a magic so beautiful, in a human so beautiful, is not a curse. And not when you can control that strength without losing who you are inside.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“Emril?” she gasped, diving toward him. She shook his arm. “Emril!” He blew out a breath, spraying blood off his lips as he grinned, white teeth shining under red. “So, has today’s brush with death and me saving your life changed your mind about sleeping with me?”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“But even though she was nowhere close to answers, something about being in the presence of people who weren’t afraid of her magic was… comforting. When was the last time she had felt welcomed somewhere? When was the last time she had smiled and laughed as freely as she did now?”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“You’re really into this helping business with the sprites.” “I have my reasons.” He shrugged. “Whatever they are, I don’t care. You’re a lot different when you aren’t around Ovir.” She frowned at him and he quickly raised his hands in defense. “Don’t stab me for that, I’m just saying. Your whole mood has been… I don’t know, more carefree these last few days. I’ve never seen it before.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand

“I have never seen or smelled something like you, but I made you a deal. Help us with the vaarasuxa and I promise that I will go to the ends of the world to find answers for you.” Brela started at his wording, but Oni only nodded and held up a glass finger. “Answers for you, Brela. No one else.”
― Laura Winter, The Bones of Crystal Sand