“My mother still deludes herself that the letters are written out of more than a desire to spend as little time in our company as possible. She likes to think he is still hers.” — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“That’s all Mother needs to say. Our estate and House Malker’s are built on the high cliffs along Pelim’s Tooth. The Tooth, like its… — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“It could be a true future that Ilven saw—she’s a Saint after all. Was . Was a Saint.” — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“There’s a distinct bitter aftertaste of Lady’s Gown in the tea, and I welcome it. Anything to sleep without dreaming.” — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“I will never let myself be caught like that—any marriage I make will be my own. A choice. A free one.” — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“Whether I’m working a street corner or a market stall, well, that’s none of their business unless they’re buying. The anonymity is comfortable, like… — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“I picture my mother’s face when she must go out in public with Owen, the cold arrogant look she wears, as if the whole… — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“Before, I would have been powdered and perfumed, my hair done in an elaborate style by the patient fingers of servants. The household crake… — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“No one I know has ever seen the matriarch of House Sandwalker, although she’s rumored to be an imposing sort. For a bat.” — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“If her death wakes something in the deep, then she will bring more shame down on her House with that one act than she… — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“None of them will believe me. I drop any attempt to explain myself and just gracefully accept that people are going to make assumptions… — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“Someone here died, I realize. Someone these people loved and cared for. I’m not the only person in the world tangled up in grief.” — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“I pull my mostly dry shawl tighter around my shoulders and dip my head so that I don’t have to look into their eyes… — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“There will be whys—people gossiping and speculating as to what Meke-damned trial drove her to it. Whatever thoughts spurred her on, Ilven’s not going… — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
