“The magic is over, but its effects will live forever.”

“Something with inner beauty will live forever, like the scent of a rose.”

“Magic. It was magic, and the magic is called love.”

“But sometimes it is just impossible to obey blindly. Sometimes a child must strike out on her own. A child cannot be a child forever”

“Be careful, okay, when you go there. Talia was really scared of this Malvolia chick. She could be dangerous.”“What’s she going to have—an assault weapon?”“Worse,” I say. “She’s got magical powers.”

“But I am old now; my life is older. When I made the choice I made, I did not think it was forever. It is another thing to give up so young.”

“You are right. I have no idea, and it is none of my business, and I was taught to obey my parents. But sometimes it is just impossible to obey blindly.Sometimes a child must strike out on her own. A child cannot be a child forever, whether that means not touching a spindle or . . . or . . .”