“He pulls me to a stop in front of a stall selling steaming hot stew of beef an onions. "Two please.""It's too expensive," I whisper to him, even though I know he won't listen.he treats me one of his wide, gentle smiles, his dark eyes shining. "Who else am I going to spend my money on? I already know you won't let me buy you and of the pretty, frilly things girls your age like to have, and I'm not about to purchase another weapon to add to your collection.""Because I don't like pretty, frilly things. And there's nothing wrong with having a nice collection of weapons.”

“I need you, Logan. Just you"I tighten my grip on her tunic. "Why?""Because I still love you." Her voice catches. "I never stopped. I thought I had. I wanted to. But somehow .. it's like a part of you lives inside the most important part of me, and I don't know how to separate the two." Tears spill over, tracing a glistening path down her cheeks. "I love you, Logan"Joy surges through me, brilliant and wild. I cup her face in my hands and wipe away her tears. "I love you too, Rachel. Always" And then I do my best to use the full hour I've been given to kiss her senseless.”

“I lie sleepless long after Melkin takes the first watch and press my fingers to my lips as I remember Logan leaning in, his breath fanning my face, his eyes locked on my mouth. A delicious ache pulses through me. I feel like a stranger waking up in my own skin--aware of every inch. Heat runs through my veins, both exhilarating and terrifying.”

“I'm no longer a daughter.No longer a granddaughter.No longer a girl with dreams. With hope.I'm a weapon, now.”

“What's the use in being diplomatic? I'd rather just pull my weapon and wing it.”

“It’s probably my job to tell you life isn’t fair, but I figure you already know that. So instead, I’ll tell you that hope is precious, and you’re right not to give up.”

“Besides, what do I know about being a wife? There are much more important qualities to have than a docile disposition.”