“I will not fall in love with you," she said. "I can't let myself. I won't.""That's all right. I'll love you enough for the both of us.”

“Scratch what I said before. I think I am falling in love with you. Right here. Right now.”

“Use me. You've done so much for us-" Marissa said."Not.....for you." V said. "He's alive because of you. So that's everything."V shook his head and turned away from the wrist. "Can't.""I need you. I'm sick from what I do. I need you." Butch whispered.Vishous fixated on Butch. "Only for...you... not me.""For both of us""All of us," Marissa interjtected.V took a deep breth and bit into the wrist.”

“It's all right Vishous" she said "It's going to be all right.""I do not crave this." But he needed it before he became a danger to himself and others."I know. And I love you, too."" You are a blessing beyond measure," He pronounced in the Old Language.And then he bowed to her and turned away.-Marissa and Vishous”

“V, you know I love you like a brother, right?""Yeah.""You feed her and I'll tear out your fucking throat out.”

“Falling into ruin was a bit like falling in love: Both descents stripped you bare and left you as you were at your core. And both endings are equally painful.”

“Listen, Cormia, I need you to know something."As she looked down at him, his eyes were the most amazing thing she'd ever seen, hypnotic, the color of citrines in firelight. "Yes?""I love you."Her heart clenched. "What?""I love you." He shook his head and eased back so he was sitting cross-legged. "Oh, Christ... I've made such a mess out of everything. But I love you. I wanted you to know it because... Well, shit, because it matters, and because it means I can't be with other Chosen. I can't be with them, Cormia. It's you or it's nobody.”