“There are times for war—many times. But sometimes it’s necessary to risk speaking the truth of our own vulnerabilities.”

“He is Monroe's son." I pointed at Ren. "And he's your best hope to win this war." "He's what?" Shay's voice was dead quiet. I'm what?" Ren kept his own voice to a whisper, but the look he'd thrown me was a bit alarmed.”

“I'd always welcomed war, but in battle, my passion rose unbidden.”

“It's just that this outfit is much easier to deal with than that chastity contraption you had on the last time we were kissing.”

“I've always welcomed war, but when the last battle ends, what life is left for a warrior?”

“Would you like to have dinner with me?”“You mean go on a date?” I focused on stirring instead of my suddenly racing heart. “When?”“Before the union. Have dinner with me and I’ll take you to Blood Moon for a couple of hours until it’s time for the ceremony.” His fingers moved from the pleats to the hem of my sweater, his hand slipping under the pale blue cashmere to stroke the skin of my lower back.I gasped, caught his wrist in my fingers, and pulled his hand away from its provocative exploration.“We are in class,” I hissed at him through clenched teeth.”

“Besides, tourists go out there all the time. The volcano can't be that dangerous.""I'm guessing the tourists aren't trying to steal a forbidden object out from under the noses of evil witches.""Not unless they've paid for the deluxe package".”