“In the end, we make our choices on our own. And no matter how stupid they are, we have to live—or die—with what we’ve done. Sometimes choosing our moment of death is the only freedom we have left.” — Cat Hellisen Copy Share Image
“Maybe I could have saved you once. Twice, even.” I want to reach up and brush back a lock of pale hair that has fallen over her face, but I hold my arms still. “In the end, we make our… — 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
