“Terror is so delicious," she remarked. "You're disappointingly predictable, Harmonia. All these years and you would still risk everything for him. Tsk, tsk.”

“Son, you were your mother's peace. You brought her so much peace and joy from the very first time she held you, that she knew she had to name you Pax. Your mother loved you more than anything in the world. She would have gladly given her life a hundred times over to keep you safe. Whatever you do, just live a good life for her. She had so many hopes for you. But when it boils down to it, all she would want is for you to be happy.”

“I have everything I need now, too," I assure her. "And you're never going anywhere which is why I'm giving this to you.”

“I love you so much," she whispers. "I love you so much. But I can't. Not right now.”

“You're too good to me," she announces. "Not possible," I answer.”

“I don't think I'm ever going to let you off my lap," I tell her. "So I hope you're comfortable.”

“She's the reason I came to your house, remember? She called me or I wouldn't have known that things were so bad. She loves you, Pax. And if there's anything that you should take away from this is that you need to live for today. Tomorrow is not promised to you.”