Quotes by Richelle Mead

Truly, remarked Nandi as we entered a darkened tunnel, it is amazing that you have not died yet, mistress. Well, hang in there. The night is young.

I was so grateful to see Lissa okay that I missed what Eddie had already noticed. You guys, where are Victor and Robert?Lissas face crumpled, and even Adrian looked grim. Damn it, I said, needing no explanation.Lissa nodded, eyes wide with distraught. We lost them.

You…you need to move on,” I managed. Yes, that was a sound reason. “You need to find someone else. You know I don’t—that I can’t. Well, you know. You’re wasting your time with me.”He remained firm. “It’s my time to waste.

I told her if she really cared about me, then she’d let me do whatever I wanted for my birthday, just like Mom did when I was twelve.”“What happened when you were twelve?”“Oh, Mom offered to take us all out for dinner—us girls, Dad was out of town—to celebrate, but I didn’t want to. This book I’d been waiting for had just come out, and the only thing I wanted to do was read it all night.”“My God,” I said, touching the top of her nose. “You’re adorable.”She swatted me away. “Anyway, Carly and Zoe really wanted to go out so that they could score a meal, but Mom just said, ‘It’s her birthday. Let her do whatever she wants.’”“Your mom is cool.

Dorian used to watch you like a starving man who wants meat. Now he looks at you like he wants seconds.

I slept with her because she was hot and wanted me. Maybe were dealing with the supernatural, but Im still human.

My skin tingled, and suddenly, Deanna materialized before us. I jumped.

I didn’t share her concern. “Damn it. I should have banished you the first time I saw you. I don’t have time for this, not with everything else. You should be in the Underworld by now. Kiyo isn’t going to kill me.

Throughout history, people with new ideas—who think differently and try to change things—have always been called troublemakers.

I sprang toward him with the stake, hoping to catch him by surprise. But Dimitri was hard to catch by surprise. And he was fast. Oh, so fast. It was like he knew what I was going to do before I did it. He halted my attack with a glancing blow to the side of my head. I knew it would hurt later, but my adrenaline was running too strong for me to pay attention to it now.Distantly, I realized some other people had come to watch us. Dimitri and I were celebrities in different ways around here, and our mentoring relationship added to the drama. This was prime-time entertainment.My eyes were only on Dimitri, though. As we tested each other, attacking and blocking, I tried to remember everything hed taught me. I also tried to remember everything I knew about him. Id practiced with him for months. I knew him, knew his moves, just as he knew mine. I could anticipate him the same way. Once I started using that knowledge, the fight grew tricky. We were too well matched, both of us too fast. My heart thumped in my chest, and sweat coated my skin.Then Dimitri finally got through. He moved in for an attack, coming at me with the full force of his body. I blocked the worst of it, but he was so strong that I was the one who stumbled from the impact. He didnt waste the opportunity and dragged me to the ground, trying to pin me. Being trapped like that by a Strigoi would likely result in the neck being bitten or broken. I couldnt let that happen.So, although he held most of me to the ground, I managed to shove my elbow up and nail him in the face. He flinched and that was all I needed. I rolled him over and held him down. He fought to push me off, and I pushed right back while also trying to maneuver my stake. He was so strong, though. I was certain I wouldnt be able to hold him. Then, just as I thought Id lose my hold, I got a good grip on the stake. And like that, the stake came down over his heart. It was done.Behind me, people were clapping but all I noticed was Dimitri. Our gazes were locked. I was still straddling him, my hands pressed against his chest. Both of us were sweaty and breathing heavily. His eyes looked at me with pride—and hell of a lot more. He was so close and my body yearned for him, again thinking he was a piece of me I needed in order to be complete. The air between us seemed warm and heady, and I would have given anything in that moment to lie down with him and have his arms wrap around me. His expression showed that he was thinking the same thing. The fight was finished, but remnants of the adrenaline and animal intensity remained.

Staring into the mirror, I was surprised to see a haunted look in my brown eyes. There was pain there, pain and loss that even the nicest dress and makeup couldnt hide.

Feel guilty. Mourn this. But move on. Dont let it destroy you. Forgive yourself.

Guilt was its own prison.

Rose, I cheat at cards and buy liquor for minors. But I would never, ever force you into something you dont want.

So many details came into focus. The shape of his lips, the line of his neck. “I’m not dangerous,” I breathed.He brought his face toward mine. “You are to me.”And somehow, against all reason, we were kissing. I closed my eyes, and the world around me faded.

Stay back,I warned. Stay away from him. They kept coming. Stay back! I yelled. They stopped. Except for one. Rose, came a soft voice. Drop the sword. My hands shook. I swallowed. Get away from us. Rose. The voice spoke again, a voice that my soul would have known anywhere. Hesitantly, I let myself finally become aware of my surroundings, let the details sink in. I let my eyes focus on the features of the man standing there. Dimitris brown eyes, gentle and firm, looking down on me. Its okay, he said. Everythings going to be okay. You can let go of the sword. My hands shook even harder as I fought to hold on to the hilt. I cant. The words hurt coming out. I cant leave him alone. I have to protect him. you have, said Dimitri. The sword fell out of my hands, landing with a clatter on the wooden floor. I followed, collapsing on all fours, anything to cry but unable to. Dimitris arms wrapped around me as he helped me up. Voices swarmed around us, and one by one, I recognised people I knew and trusted.

You did what you did out of love. I cant be mad at you over that. It was stupid, but thats how love is. Do you have any idea what Id do for you? To keep you safe?

Really, Sage? A date?I sighed. Yes, Adrian. A date.A real date. Not, like, doing homework together, he added. I mean like where you go out to a movie or something. And a movie thats not part of a school assignment. Or about something boring.A real date. I figured I wouldnt give him the specifics on the Shakespheare play.Whats the lucky guys name?Brayden.There was a pause. Brayden? That his real name?Why are you asking if everythings real? You think Id make any of this up?No, no, Adrian assured me. That whats so ynbelievable about it. Is he cute?I glanced at the clock. It was time for me to meet my study group. Gee, maybe I should just send you a picture to review?Yes, please. And a full background check and life history.I have to go. Why do you care so much anyway? I finally asked in exasperation.His answer took a long time, which was uncharacteristic.

It was one thing to accept I couldnt have Dimitri. It was something entirely different to realize someone else could.

You dont know your father, do you?”I shook my head. No. All I know is he must have had wicked cool hair.”Dimitri glanced up, and his eyes swept me. Yes. He must have.