“
There is no me without you.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I'm so wildly in love with you that I can't imagine what my life would even look like without you in it. And I probably shouldn't have said that, but if we're doing this, then we're starting from a place of complete honesty.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
She can't die, and not just because there's a chance I won't survive. She can't die because I know I can't live without her even if I do.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
His fingers tangle in my hair. “I fucking love your hair. If you ever want to bring me to my knees or win an argument, just let it down. I’ll get the point.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You look all frail and breakable, but you're really a violent little thing, aren't you?
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
It’s hard to love a second home as much as the first.”
I swallow. “It’s easy when the second home is the right one.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You have to fight, Vi,' Xaden whispers against my forehead as we move. 'You can hate me all you want when you wake up. You can scream, hit, throw your fucking daggers at me for all I care, but you have to live. You can't make me fall for you and then die. None of this is worth it without you.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
We hadn't even kissed, and I fell.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You still love me. It's possible." Gods, do I ache to kiss her, to remind her exactly what we are together, but I won't, not until she asks. "I'm not afraid of hard work, especially not when I know just how sweet the rewards are. I would rather loose this entire war than live without you, and if that means I have to prove myself over and over, then I'll do it. You gave me your heart, and I'm keeping it." She already owns mine, even if she doesn't realize it.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
He yanks me close and kisses my forehead. 'There is no me without you,' he says against my skin.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
As angry as I am, I can’t imagine a world without him in it. “I need you to survive this, even if I hate that I still love you.”
“I can live with that.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You love me, and-'
'Loved,' I correct him, sidestepping so I can get some fucking space and then taking it.
'Love!' he shouts, stopping me in my tracks and earning us a glance from every rider within hearing distance. 'You love me.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
No one stays friends forever, Mira. Eventually those closest to us become our enemies in some way, even if it’s through well-intentioned love or apathy, or if we live long enough to become their villains.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I'm going to keep you,' he promises, just like he did last night. Or was it this morning? 'You're mine, Violet.'
I lift my chin. 'Only if you're mine.'
'I've been yours for longer than you could ever imagine.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Don't ever put your life at risk over something as trivial as talking to me again.' It's as low as a growl against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
'Next year is going to be so much fun,' I tease, walking forward and lacing my fingers with his so her follows.
'Liam will be here next year to make sure you're not doing asinine things,' he mutters.
'You're going to love getting his letters.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I love the days when my body cooperates.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Nothing kills powerful, unshakable love faster than opposing ideologies".
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2))
“
There is no stronger bond than that between two mated dragons. It goes beyond the depth of human love or adoration to a primal, undeniable requirement for proximity. One cannot survive without the other.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
That ache in my chest burns brighter than the power coursing through my veins. I’m in love with Xaden.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Miraculous.'
'What's miraculous?'
...
'You are.' I set the empty glass on the nightstand and then turn back to her, gazing into the hazel eyes that have haunted me since Parapet. 'You are miraculous,' I finish in a whisper.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Tell me what you're thinking.'
I wind my arms around his neck. 'I was thinking you are exactly as I predicted the first time you took me in my room.'
'Oh yeah?' He draws back, curiosity sparking in his eyes. 'And what exactly was that?'
'A very dangerous addiction.' My gaze skims over the silver line of his scar, the thick lashes so many women would kill for, and over the bump in his nose to that perfectly sculped mouth. I've already told him that I love him, so it's not like I'm keeping secrets over here. Hell, compared to him, I'm an open book. 'Impossible to sate.'
His eyes darken. 'I'm going to keep you,' he promises, just like he did last night. Or was it this morning? 'You're mine, Violet.'
I lift my chin. 'Only if you're mine.'
'I've been yours for longer than you could ever imagine.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I love his loss of control just as much as I fear my own.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You love me, and—'
'Loved,' I correct him, sidestepping so I can get some fucking space and then taking it.
'Love!' he shouts, stopping me in my tracks and earning us a glance from every rider within hearing distance. 'You love me.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You love me, and-"
'Loved," I correct him, sidestepping so I can get some fucking space and then taking it.
"Love!"
he shouts, stopping me in my tracks and earning us a glance from every rider within hearing distance.
"You love me."
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
He is thinking about asymmetry. This is a world, he is thinking, where you can lie in bed, listening to a song as you dream about someone you love, and your feelings and the music will resonate so powerfully and completely that it seems impossible that the beloved, whoever and wherever he or she might be, should not know, should not pick up this signal as it pulsates from your heart, as if you and the music and the love and the whole universe have merged into one force that can be chanelled out into the darkness to bring them this message. But, in actuality, not only will he or she not know, there is nothing to stop that other person from lying on his or her bed at the exact moment listening to the exact same song and thinking about someone else entirely-from aiming those identical feelings in some completely opposite direction, at some totally other person, who may in turn be lying in the dark thinking of another person still, a fourth, who is thinking of a fifth, and so on, and so on, so that rather than a universe of neatly reciprocating pairs, love and love-returned fluttering through space nicely and symmetrically like so many pairs of butterfly wings, instead we get chains of yearning, which sprawl and meander and culminate in an infinite number of dead ends.
”
”
Paul Murray (Skippy Dies)
“
It’s hard to love a second home as much as the first.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I need you to survive this, even if I hate that I still love you."
"I can live with that.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You're all right?' he asks, brushing my hair back from my face.
'I'm great. You're great. That was...'
'Great?' he supplies.
'Exactly.
'I was going to use the word "explosive", but I think "great" covers it.' His fingers tangle in my hair. 'I fucking love your hair. If you ever want to bring me to my knees or win an argument, just let it down. I'll get the point.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You love me", he whispers.
"Stop reminding me. I thought we agreed not to fight tonight." I snuggle in deeper, his warmth lulling me into that sweet middle space between wakefulness and oblivion.
"Maybe you're not the one I'm reminding.
”
”
Rebeca Yarros, Fourth Wing
“
I reach for her. 'I'm so sorry I had to keep...' My words die on my tongue as she steps back, avoiding me.
'Not happening.' A world of hurt flashes in those hazel eyes, and I fucking wither. 'Just because I believe you and am willing to fight with you doesn't mean I'll trust you with my heart again. and I can't be with someone I don't trust.'
Something in my chest crumples. 'I've never lied to you, Violet. Not once. I never will.'
She walks over to the window and looks down, then slowly turns back to me. 'It's not even that you kept this from me. I get it. It's the ease with which you did it. The ease with which I let you into my hear and didn't get the same in return.' She shakes her head, and I see it there, the love, but it's masked behind defences I foolishly forced her to build.
I love her. Of course I love her. But if I tell her now, she'll think I'm doing it for all the wrong reasons, and honestly, she'd be right.
I'm not going to lose the only woman I've ever fallen for without a fight. 'You're right. I kept secrets,' I admit, pressing forward again, taking step after step until I'm less than a foot from her. I palm the glass on both sides of her head, loosely caging her in, but we both know she could walk away if she wanted. But she doesn't move. 'It took me a long time to trust you, a long time to realise I fell for you.'
Someone knocks, I ignore it.
'Don't say that.' She lifts her chin, but I don't miss the way she glances at my mouth.
'I fell for you.' I lower my head and look straight into her gorgeous eyes. She might be rightfully pissed, but she sure as Malek isn't fickle. 'And you know what? You might not trust me anymore, but you still love me.'
Her lips part, but she doesn't deny it. 'I gave you my trust for free once, and once is all you get.' She masks the hurt with a quick blink.
Never again. Those eyes will never reflect hurt I've inflicted ever again.
'I fucked up by not telling you sooner, and I won't even try to justify my reasons. But now I'm trusting you with my life- with everyone's lives.' I've risked it all by just bringing her here instead of taking her body back to Basgiath. 'I'll tell you anything you want to know and everything you don't. I'll spend every single day of my life earning back your trust.'
I'd forgotten what it felt like to be loved, really, truly, loved- it'd been so many years since Dad died. And mom... Not going there. But then Violet gave me those words, gave me her trust, her heart, and I remembered. I'll be damned if I don't fight to keep them.
'And if it's not possible?'
'You still love me. It's possible.' Gods, do I ache to kiss her, to remind her exactly what we are together, but I won't, not until she asks. 'I'm not afraid of hard work, especially not when I know just how sweet the rewards are.. I would rather lose this entire war than live without you, and if that means I have to prove myself, over and over, then I'll do it. You gave me your heart, and I'm keeping it.' She already owns mine, even if she doesn't realise it.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Scroll, scroll, scroll, play—now, to disappear completely into an entirely other world.
In that world: every faction left me alone.
In that world: I was not one seven-billionth of the planet’s population.
In that world: I was one-fourth of the planet’s population: it was Dad, the sopranos, and me.
In that world: we soared through the sky and clouds, above it all, not a care in the world, the most miraculous of gaggles, catching the soul of those rare, lovely heart-thinkers.
In that world: my wing was mended.
”
”
David Arnold (Kids of Appetite)
“
I loved your father, but he’s dead,” Mom says, as if giving the weather report. “I doubt he wants much these days.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
He always that overprotective?” Xaden grumbles, pressing up from the mat a few inches.
“He cares about me.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (Part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I’ve always loved the nights where storms beat against the fortress window, both illuminating and throwing shadows
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I fucking love your hair. If you ever want to bring me to my knees or win an argument, just let it down. I’ll get the point.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I need you to survive this, even if I hate that I still love you.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I chose you not as my next but as my last, and should you fall, I will follow.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #1-2))
“
Come on, let's get you to bed.' I lean in and kiss the scar on his eyebrow. 'It will be tomorrow when you wake up.'
'I don't deserve you.' His arm curls around my hips and he tugs me closer. 'But I'm going to keep you all the same.'
'Good.' I lean in and brush my lips over his. 'Because I think I'm in love with you.' My heart beats erratically, and panic claws up my rib cage. I shouldn't have said it.
His eyes flare wide and his arms tighten around me. 'You think? Or you know?'
Be brave.
Even if he doesn't feel the same, at least I will have spoken my truth. 'I know. I'm so wildly in love with you that I can't imagine what my life would even look like without you in it. And I probably shouldn't have said that, but if we're doing this, then we're starting from a place of complete honesty.'
He crushes his mouth to mine and pulls me fully into his lap so I'm straddling him. He kisses me so deep that I lose myself in it, in him.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I don’t deserve you.” His arm curls around my hips and he tugs me closer. “But I’m going to keep you all the same.” “Good.” I lean in and brush my lips over his. “Because I think I’m in love with you.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I’m so wildly in love with you that I can’t imagine what my life would even look like without you in it. And I probably shouldn’t have said that, but if we’re doing this, then we’re starting from a place of complete honesty.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
In the stillest hour of the night, as I lay half asleep, my seven selves sat together and thus conversed in whispers:
First Self: Here, in this madman, I have dwelt all these years, with naught to do but renew his pain by day and recreate his sorrow by night. I can bear my fate no longer, and now I rebel.
Second Self: Yours is a better lot than mine, brother, for it is given to me to be this madman's joyous self. I laugh his laughter and sing his happy hours, and with thrice winged feet I dance his brighter thoughts. It is I that would rebel against my weary existence.
Third Self: And what of me, the love-ridden self, the flaming brand of wild passion and fantastic desires? It is I the love-sick self who would rebel against this madman.
Fourth Self: I, amongst you all, am the most miserable, for naught was given me but odious hatred and destructive loathing. It is I, the tempest-like self, the one born in the black caves of Hell, who would protest against serving this madman.
Fifth Self: Nay, it is I, the thinking self, the fanciful self, the self of hunger and thirst, the one doomed to wander without rest in search of unknown things and things not yet created; it is I, not you, who would rebel.
Sixth Self: And I, the working self, the pitiful labourer, who, with patient hands, and longing eyes, fashion the days into images and give the formless elements new and eternal forms- it is I, the solitary one, who would rebel against this restless madman.
Seventh Self: How strange that you all would rebel against this man, because each and every one of you has a preordained fate to fulfil. Ah! could I but be like one of you, a self with a determined lot! But I have none, I am the do-nothing self, the one who sits in the dumb, empty nowhere and nowhen, while you are busy re-creating life. Is it you or I, neighbours, who should rebel?
When the seventh self thus spake the other six selves looked with pity upon him but said nothing more; and as the night grew deeper one after the other went to sleep enfolded with a new and happy submission.
But the seventh self remained watching and gazing at nothingness, which is behind all things.
”
”
Kahlil Gibran
“
Three days?' Dain fires back, leaning in. 'You couldn't make it three days?'
'It has nothing to do with him.' I interrupt, setting my dragon down with a little more force than necessary. 'That's up to Tairn and Sgaeyl.'
'You never considered that it was you I couldn't stay away from?'
I crook my right arm and jab it into Xaden's biceps. He doesn't mean that. Not when he's still adamant that kissing me was a mistake. And if he does... I'm not going there...
'Now, now, you'll give our little communication secret away if you can't keep from being so... violent.' He barely restrains a smile, obviously loving that he gets the last word.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
My Violet, By the time you find this, you’ll most likely be in the Scribe Quadrant. Remember that folklore is passed from one generation to the next to teach us about our past. If we lose it, we lose the links to our past. It only takes one desperate generation to change history—even erase it. I know you’ll make the right choice when the time comes. You have always been the best of both your mother and me. Love, Dad
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You still love me. It’s possible.” Gods, do I ache to kiss her, to remind her exactly what we are together, but I won’t, not until she asks. “I’m not afraid of hard work, especially not when I know just how sweet the rewards are. I would rather lose this entire war than live without you, and if that means I have to prove myself over and over, then I’ll do it. You gave me your heart, and I’m keeping it.” "She already owns mine, even if she doesn’t realize it.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You have to know that I would do anything to save you, Violet, to keep you safe,' he blurts, panic in his eyes. 'When Riorson said...' He shook his head.
'I know,' I say reassuringly, nodding even as something cracks in my heart. 'You always want me safe.' He'd do anything. Except break the rules.
'You have to know how I feel about you.' His thumb strokes over my cheek, his eyes searching for something, and then his mouth is on mine.
His lips are soft, but the kiss is firm, and delight races up my spine. After years, Dain is finally kissing me.
The thrill is gone in less than a heartbeat. There's no heat. No energy. No sharp slice of lust. Disappointment sours the moment, but not for Dain. He's all smiles as he pulls away.
It was over in an instant.
It was everything I've ever wanted... except...
Shit. I don't want it anymore.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You want me,' I put my hand on his chest and feel his heart pounding. 'And I know that scares you even though I want you just as badly.'
He stiffens.
'But here's the thing,' I hold his gaze, knowing he could bolt at any second. 'You don't get to dictate how I feel. You might give the orders out there, but not in here. You don't get to tell me we can fuck but I can't fall for you. That's not fair. You can only respect what I choose to do. So we're not doing this again until I want to risk my heart. And if I fall, then that's my problem, not yours. You're not responsible for my choices.'
His jaw clenches once. Twice. And then he pushes off the wall, giving me space. 'I think that's for the best. I'm graduating soon, and who knows where I'll end up. Besides, you and I are chained together because of Sgaeyl and Tairn, which complicates... everything.' He retreats one step at a time, the distance more than just physical. 'Besides, with all that pretending, I'm sure we'll eventually forget last night ever happened.'
The way we're looking at each other tells me neither of us is ever going to forget. And he can avoid it all he wants, but we're going to end up right here time and again until he's willing to recognise what this is. Because if there's one thing I know for certain, it's that I'm going to fall for this man- if I haven't already- and he's halfway there, too, whether he realises it or not.
Turning my back on him, I walk to the shattered halves of my throwing target and pick them up before heading back across my room. 'I never figured you for a liar, Xaden.' I shove the halves at his chest. 'You can get me a new one when you're ready to come to your senses. Then we'll blow off some steam.' I throw the aggravating man out.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You have to get to safety, Violet. I love you. Don't die. I'd hate to be an only child.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
It's hard to love a second home as much as the first.'
I swallow. 'It's easy when the second home is the right one.' And that is what the Riders Quadrant has become to me- the right home. The longing for the kind of peace and solitude I found only here can't match the adrenaline rush of flight.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I’m in love with Xaden.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Violet Sorrengail,” I answer as thunder cracks above me, the sound oddly comforting. I’ve always loved the nights where storms beat against the fortress window, both illuminating and throwing shadows over the books I curled up with, though this downpour might just cost me my life.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
The cheater clearly used foreign materials not once but twice,” Amber yells. “It’s not to be tolerated! We live by the rules or we die by them!”
No wonder she and Dain are so close—they’re both in love with the Codex.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (Part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] (The Empyrean, #1))
“
It's hard to love a second home as much as the first.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Eventually those closest to us become our enemies in some way, even if it's through well-intentioned love or apathy, or if we live long enough to become their villains.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
. . . Wasted. . . .
Breakfast with the Great Judge was uneventful. They did not talk of the Jorgian war.
Shortly after breakfast Marin winged away from the Judge’s Court.
As he removed the Marin disguise from the face and body of Wade Trask, he could mentally list only two things that had occurred during his visit. The Great Judge had listened to his plea on behalf of Wade Trask. And Delindy had secretly come to him to arrange the details of her going with him to Asia.
It seemed to him, who could leave nothing to chance, that either event could have been the main reason for his being invited to Court. He could well imagine that the conversation of the previous evening had been promoted by the Great Judge himself, and not by Edmund Slater. And Delindy’s coming to him had three possible explanations. On the one hand the Great Judge might be coolly using his own mistress to spy on her former lover, clearly confident that she would be loyal to the ruler of a planet rather than to some underling. On the other hand, Delindy herself might be a Jorgian spy using her body, first to ensnare a Group Master, and then the dictator, for her own country. The third possibility was that she loved David Marin.
There was actually, Marin realized, a fourth consideration that he could have. She was a pawn of the Brain, unconsciously doing that mechanical being’s work and consciously just being whatever she normally was.
Uneasily, Marin put that thought away from him. Not that it didn’t have substance or meaning. It was simply too bizarre and out of his control.
”
”
A.E. van Vogt (The Mind Cage (Masters of Science Fiction))
“
You love me, and—” “Loved,” I correct him,
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
There is nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn't find you, Violence.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing and Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #1-2))
“
I know. I’m so wildly in love with you that I can’t imagine what my life would even look like without you in it. And I probably shouldn’t have said that, but if we’re doing this, then we’re starting from a place of complete honesty.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
You love me, and—” “Loved,” I correct him, sidestepping so I can get some fucking space and then taking it. “Love!” he shouts, stopping me in my tracks and earning us a glance from every rider within hearing distance. “You love me.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I want to throttle him, to shake some ever-loving sense into that beautiful head of his.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
It’s hard to love a second home as much as the first.” I swallow. “It’s easy when the second home is the right one.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
This time no one's lookng for love
down between the sheds, the old houses, among the twittering
masts and rigging. A boat, a prau that will never sail again
puffs and snorts, thinking there's something it can catch
The drizzle brings darkness. An eagle's wings flap,
brushing against the gloom; the day whispers, swimming silkily
away to meet harbor temptations yet to come. Nothing moves
and now the sand and the sea are asleep, the waves gone.
That's all. I'm alone. Walking,
combing the cape, still choking back the hope
of getting to the end and, just once, saying the hell with it
from this fourth beach, embracing the last, the final sob.
”
”
Chairil Anwar (The Complete Poetry and Prose of Chairil Anwar)
“
This time no one's looking for love
down between the sheds, the old houses, among the twittering
masts and rigging. A boat, a prau that will never sail again
puffs and snorts, thinking there's something it can catch
The drizzle brings darkness. An eagle's wings flap,
brushing against the gloom; the day whispers, swimming silkily
away to meet harbor temptations yet to come. Nothing moves
and now the sand and the sea are asleep, the waves gone.
That's all. I'm alone. Walking,
combing the cape, still choking back the hope
of getting to the end and, just once, saying the hell with it
from this fourth beach, embracing the last, the final sob.
”
”
Chairil Anwar (The Complete Poetry and Prose of Chairil Anwar)
“
I don’t deserve you.” His arm curls around my hips and he tugs me closer. “But I’m going to keep you all the same.” “Good.” I lean in and brush my lips over his. “Because I think I’m in love with you.” My heart beats erratically, and panic claws up my rib cage. I shouldn’t have said it. His eyes flare wide and his arms tighten around me. “You think? Or you know?” Be brave. Even if he doesn’t feel the same, at least I will have spoken my truth. “I know. I’m so wildly in love with you that I can’t imagine what my life would even look like without you in it. And I probably shouldn’t have said that, but if we’re doing this, then we’re starting from a place of complete honesty.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I glance his way just enough to note that he's bathed and wearing our standard uniform instead of flight leathers, and definitely not long enough to note how fucking good he looks. Just once, I'd love to see him disheveled or unnerved, anything outside that calm control he wears like armor.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
There's the ego I know and love so much," I mutter, making my way to the bed, which, just like mine, is outfitted in black.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" His voice lowers. "If not, I'm a fool, because you are magnificently beautiful.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I'd forgotten what it felt like to be loved, really, truly loved—it'd been so many years since Dad died. And Mom... Not going there. But then Violet gave me those words, gave me her trust, her heart, and I remembered. I'll be damned if I don't fight to keep them.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I love her. Of course I love her.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
It took me a long time to trust you, a long time to realize I fell for you."
"Don't say that." She lifts her chin, but I don't miss the way she glances at my mouth.
"I fell for you." I lower my head and look straight into her gorgeous eyes. She might be rightfully pissed, but she sure as Malek isn't fickle. "And you know what? You might not trust me anymore, but you still love me."
Her lips part, but she doesn't deny it. "I gave you my trust for free once, and once is all you get." She masks the hurt with a quick blink.
Never again. Those eyes will never reflect hurt I've inflicted ever again.
"I fucked up by not telling you sooner, and I won't even try to justify my reasons. But now I'm trusting you with my life—with everyone's lives.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
There’s more than one way to fall. Shit. That ache in my chest burns brighter than the power coursing through my veins. I’m in love with Xaden.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I’ve always loved the nights where storms beat against the fortress window, both illuminating and throwing shadows over the books I curled up with, though this downpour might just cost me my life.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
It's hard to love a second home as much as the first" I swallow. "It's easy when the second home is the right one.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
standing on end. “We’re twenty minutes out from Athebyne, so hydrate! We have no idea what kind of scenario is waiting for us,” Xaden calls out, his voice carrying over the squad. “You doing all right?” Liam asks, coming my way as Tairn and Andarna both take the few steps they need to access the water. “Stay with Tairn,” I tell Andarna. She’s a shiny target this far from the protection of the Vale. “I will.” Gods, I should have left her at Basgiath. What the hell was I thinking, bringing her out here? She’s just a kid, and this flight has been grueling. “It was never your choice,” Tairn lectures. “Humans, even bonded ones, do not decide where dragons fly. Even one as young as Andarna knows her own mind.” His words bring little comfort. When push comes to shove, I’m responsible for her safety. “Violet?” Concern furrows Liam’s brow. “If I say I’m not sure, will you think less of me?” There are so many ways to answer that question. Physically, I’m sore but fine, but mentally… Well, I’m a mess of anxiety and anticipation for what the War Games will bring. We were warned the quadrant always loses ten percent of the graduating class in the final test, but it’s more than that. I just can’t put my finger on it. “I’d think you’re being honest.” I glance to the left and see Xaden deep in conversation with Garrick. Naturally, the section leader made the cut for Xaden’s personal squad. Xaden looks my way, our eyes locking for a second, and that’s all it takes to remind my body that I had him naked a few hours ago, the lines of his carved muscles straining against my skin. I’m so damned in love with that man. How am I supposed to keep it off my face? Just be professional. That’s all I have to do. Though the way I’m hyperaware of each and every thing he’s said and done since leaving his bedroom pretty much makes me a walking example of why first-years shouldn’t sleep with their wingleaders, let alone fall in love with them. Good thing he’s only my wingleader
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
It’s hard to love a second home as much as the first.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
answer as thunder cracks above me, the sound oddly comforting. I’ve always loved the nights where storms beat against the fortress window, both illuminating and throwing shadows over the books I curled up
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Eventually those closest to us become our enemies in some way, even if it’s through well-intentioned love or apathy, or if we live long enough to become their villains.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I’m so wildly in love with you that I can’t imagine what my life would even look like without you in it.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
It is a grave offense against Malek to keep the belongings of a dead loved one. They belong in the beyond with the god of death and the departed. In the absence of a proper temple, any fire will do. He who does not burn for Malek will be burned by Malek.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I love that library,” I counter. It’s been more than a year since his heart finally failed, and the Archives are still the only place that feels like home in this giant fortress, the only place where I still feel my father’s presence.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Earth is currently transitioning into the Fourth Dimension. The climax of the upcoming Ascension will be felt towards the end of 2012 as the Year of the Dragon spreads its wings, all the way for the next seven years until 2019. Although the Third Dimension is focused upon the physical world, the Fourth Dimension has a primary focus on the spiritual world. In order to accept this new state of existence, profound elements of the Fourth Dimension were introduced into our Third Dimensional society to lessen the sudden impact of Ascension. Profound spiritual concepts such as Enlightenment and aspects of Unconditional Love must be understood as the next steps to progress from the Third Dimension. These seeds were planted and allowed to grow in individuals who have accepted that it is time to open the doors to the spiritual world. As human beings are the most complex forms of embodied consciousness on the planet, we will still retain our current shape and forms. What will change is the importance we place on achieving such profound spiritual objectives. The 2012-2019 Ascension will mark a turning point leading to spirituality playing a much more dominant role in society with less fixation on a solely material world. The Fourth Dimension follows the Third Dimension in its way of life; the difference is what is placed upon the core belief structures of those living within it.
”
”
Sufian Chaudhary (World of Archangels)
“
Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." 1 Timothy 6:17 Our Lord Jesus is ever giving, and does not for a solitary instant withdraw his hand. As long as there is a vessel of grace not yet full to the brim, the oil shall not be stayed. He is a sun ever-shining; he is manna always falling round the camp; he is a rock in the desert, ever sending out streams of life from his smitten side; the rain of his grace is always dropping; the river of his bounty is ever-flowing, and the well-spring of his love is constantly overflowing. As the King can never die, so his grace can never fail. Daily we pluck his fruit, and daily his branches bend down to our hand with a fresh store of mercy. There are seven feast-days in his weeks, and as many as are the days, so many are the banquets in his years. Who has ever returned from his door unblessed? Who has ever risen from his table unsatisfied, or from his bosom un-emparadised? His mercies are new every morning and fresh every evening. Who can know the number of his benefits, or recount the list of his bounties? Every sand which drops from the glass of time is but the tardy follower of a myriad of mercies. The wings of our hours are covered with the silver of his kindness, and with the yellow gold of his affection. The river of time bears from the mountains of eternity the golden sands of his favour. The countless stars are but as the standard bearers of a more innumerable host of blessings. Who can count the dust of the benefits which he bestows on Jacob, or tell the number of the fourth part of his mercies towards Israel? How shall my soul extol him who daily loadeth us with benefits, and who crowneth us with loving-kindness? O that my praise could be as ceaseless as his bounty! O miserable tongue, how canst thou be silent? Wake up, I pray thee, lest I call thee no more my glory, but my shame. "Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake right early.
”
”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (Christian Classics: Six books by Charles Spurgeon in a single collection, with active table of contents)
“
I already knew your parents are tight,” Xaden calls out, a cruel smile tilting his lips. “But do you two have to be so fucking obvious?” The few cadets who are still in the rotunda turn to look at us. “Let me guess,” Xaden continues, glancing between Dain and me. “Childhood friends? First loves, even?
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
She shakes her head, and I see it there, the love, but it’s masked behind defenses I foolishly forced her to build.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I love you.” The words are so incredibly freeing, even if he doesn’t say them back.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Eventually those closest to us become our enemies in some
way, even if it’s through well-intentioned love or apathy, or if we live
long enough to become their villains.
—Page eighty, the Book of Brennan
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
This pincer movement resulted in a FLOOD of illegal ballots into the battleground states which was more than sufficient to tip the scales from a decisive legal win by President Trump to a narrow and illegitimate alleged “victory” by Joe Biden.7 In a landmark Time magazine cover story by Molly Ball, the Democrats have all but confessed to this Grand Stuff the Ballot Box Strategy. And Molly Ball is neither a right-wing hack nor a Fourth Estate slouch; she was the 2019 winner of the Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency. In her “kiss and tell” article, Ball highlighted a long list of operatives who have openly boasted about how they gamed America’s election system to overthrow a sitting president. That she portrayed these smug zealots as saviors of the election rather than as thieves is yet another Big Reveal—not just of Ball’s own Progressive ideology but also of the much deeper rot eating away at our election system and our broader Republic. In this Big Reveal, we bare stark witness to an “ends justify the means” mentality that has gripped far too many Americans on the left. As Corey Lewandowski once put it, these Machiavellian cadres apparently hate Donald Trump more than they love their country.8 Memo number one to Molly’s Merry Band of Democrat Thieves: Destroying the integrity of our election system to topple a sitting president you loathe is no Devil’s bargain. It’s national suicide.
”
”
Peter Navarro (In Trump Time: A Journal of America's Plague Year)
“
I’ve always loved the nights where storms beat against the fortress window, both illuminating and throwing shadows over the books I curled up with,
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
It is a grave offense against Malek to keep the belongings of a dead loved one. They belong in the beyond with the god of death and the departed. In the absence of a proper temple,
any fire will do. He who does not burn for
Malek will be burned by Malek.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Winning the War Games isn’t about strength. It’s about cunning. To know how to strike, you have to understand where your enemies—your friends—are most vulnerable. No one stays friends forever, Mira. Eventually those closest to us become our enemies in some way, even if it’s through well-intentioned love or apathy, or if we live long enough to become their villains.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Less than a minute / That's how long it took you to fall out of love with me
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
The sweet glow of happiness, of love, trust, and affection that burned so brightly in my chest just a few minutes ago sputters painfully, gasping for oxygen like a campfire put out by a bucket of water once it outlives its usefulness. All I can do is watch as the embers drown and die.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Loved,” I correct him, sidestepping so I can get some fucking space and then taking it. “Love!” he shouts, stopping me in my tracks and earning us a glance from every rider within hearing distance. “You love me.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
John didn’t score his first Number One hit until 1974, the fourth Beatle to reach this milestone (Ringo beat him twice), but he got over with “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night,” with a big assist from Elton John. It’s not a famous song anymore, for the understandable reason that the final line is “Don’t need a gun to blow your mind.” After December 1980, “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night” dropped off the radio and hasn’t been heard since. But the most shocking thing isn’t the gun line—it’s the lush pop feel. The song it really resembles is the Wings hit “Listen to What the Man Said,” with the same yacht-rock studio sheen. Both serve love-is-the-answer platitudes, though attractively warmhearted ones: “Whatever gets you to the light, ’sall right” vs. “I don’t know but I think love is fine.” Both hit Number One, for just one week. John’s sax solo is Bobby Keys, Paul’s is Tom Scott, though they could have traded places without anyone noticing. Yet I loved both songs as a boy, and still do—Elton, always the kindliest-sounding of rock megastars, sings on John’s hit, and sounds like the guiding spirit of Paul’s, as if he’s a yenta nudging them together.
”
”
Rob Sheffield (Dreaming the Beatles: The Love Story of One Band and the Whole World)
“
I watched my own father executed trying to help these people. I couldn’t risk you, too.” He leans into my space a little more with every word, launching my pulse, but I’m done letting my heart make my head’s choices. “You love me, and—” “Loved,” I correct him, sidestepping so I can get some fucking space and then taking it. “Love!” he shouts, stopping me in my tracks and earning us a glance from every rider within hearing distance. “You love me.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
Then learn how to block him out.” He says it like it’s just that simple. “What, with all this power I’m wielding?” My brows rise. “Or were you unaware that I’m still not channeling?” I want to throttle him, to shake some ever-loving sense into that beautiful head of his. He leans in so we’re almost nose to nose. “I am annoyingly aware of everything you do.” Thanks to Liam.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
We make the ascent, and I note with some satisfaction that my legs feel strong today. I love the days when my body cooperates.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
They really are lovely, all marked with different runes. It’s a shame there are so many parts of Tyrrish culture that were lost centuries ago during the unification, including most runes. I don’t even know what they all mean.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
already knew your parents are tight,” Xaden calls out, a cruel smile tilting his lips. “But do you two have to be so fucking obvious?” The few cadets who are still in the rotunda turn to look at us. “Let me guess,” Xaden continues, glancing between Dain and me. “Childhood friends? First loves, even?
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))
“
I answer as thunder cracks above me, the sound oddly comforting. I’ve always loved the nights where storms beat against the fortress window, both illuminating and throwing shadows over the books I curled up with, though this downpour might just cost me my life.
”
”
Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1))