“
You make even the stars envious,” I repeat softly, leaning toward her. “Because one day—far from now—you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
See you in the sky,
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
To the girls with softer dreams – your purpose is just as powerful!
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I think I would fall on my sword if it meant you mourned me,” he breathes. “And it’s terrifying to think you hold that much power over me.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Reckless (The Powerless Trilogy, #2))
“
If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around. And I wonder how I’ve stumbled this long without her to guide me.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Shh.” I run a hand down the length of her curls, feeling a hiccup jostle her body. “You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Perhaps you may not need powers to be powerful.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerless (The Powerless Trilogy, #1))
“
I always wondered how something could shine so bright, even while being swallowed in darkness.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I had never known happiness before her. But if there is to be an after in which she doesn’t exist, I know I never will again.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I’m counting the stars until I see Mak shining beside me. The stars wink at me, welcoming me home. And on second eight, I know nothing.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Falling is not what I do. No, I trip into love, unable to slow down long enough to question these feelings or the person I've dumped them on.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
In the end, it was all light and dark, loud and soft. I knew nothing but the memory of those I loved. One, a friend. The other, unfinished. And that alone is what I took with me into the next life. But I watched, warm and bright and high above. Just as he promised.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Just count the stars, Dena.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
So, you just want me? No powers?’ ‘Yes. I just want you,’ she breathes, annoyed with me. My mouth twists into a crooked grin. ‘I knew you wanted me, Gray.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerless (The Powerless Trilogy, #1))
“
She’s counting the stars. I break. All of me. Every inch of my being shattering at the realization.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I’ve made him smile.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Thanks for picking the closest star, Dena.’ I take a shaky breath. Forty, forty-one, forty-two… ‘Looks like you’ll be around to keep me company.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
He is my fantasy. This is my reality.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
And just like that, I’ve picked which pretty prince to root for. Because it’s Kai who is destined for Paedyn, no matter how tragic their story. No matter the opposite roles they play in this life. But maybe things will be different in the next.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I wanted her to be formidable. Recklessly bold. Powerful despite ability."
I stare at him, taking in each word.
"I am none of those things," I whisper.
He drops my hand to brush gentle fingers beneath my chin, raising my face up towards his. "You are much more than those things."
"You overestimate me."
"No. I just see you.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Reckless (The Powerless Trilogy, #2))
“
Well, I would catch you, Dena, but it seems we’re going down together.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
You are the sweetest thing I have never tasted.” Another brush of his knuckles. “And I doubt I’ve craved anything more.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
And will you be beside me up there?’ ‘If I should be so lucky.’ ‘Promise me,’ she murmurs sternly. ‘I don’t want to be alone.’ I nod against her hair. ‘I promise, Dena.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Homes tend to hurt you the most.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
He makes me happy, for whatever absurdly odd reason. He’s not exactly a ray of sunshine, but perhaps something equivalent to moonlight. Mysterious and unnerving. Equally as beautiful, yet, soft enough to stare at.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
She is an intoxicating sort of exhausting, like running until you’ve lost your breath but enjoying the feeling all the while. And I feel as though I’ve been sprinting for days. Even worse, I fear that I am, in fact, beginning to enjoy her. What a terrifying realization, to admit one’s admiration for another.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
But you… you’re the embodiment of everything I am not. And yet, here I am, crawling back to you as though I’ve left a piece of myself behind.” He slowly lifts a hand, and I hold my breath when his fingers run down a loose curl. “And it scares the shit out of me.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
But I refuse to be ashamed of my softness. Gentleness is the strength that fragility lacks.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Like the beginning of the end.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
If there is a God, this man is certainly proof that He has His favorites.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Few have the power to make me plead.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerless (The Powerless Trilogy, #1))
“
I wonder if I’ll be able to watch over her when I get to wherever Death is taking me.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Are you going to stop talking long enough to let me kiss you properly?
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
He stole your smile,” she whispers, tears clinging to dark lashes. “No wonder you didn’t have one to give me.” Regret rams into me once again, her words a reminder of every missed opportunity to make her smile with one of my own. “I’ll find one,” I murmur. “Steal it back if I must. For you.” Her lips lift, eyes shining with tears. “And I’ll cherish it.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I would have waited another nineteen years if it meant you were the first good memory I was gifted.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Dena, if I looked at you while you were talking, I can’t guarantee that I’d be paying attention to what you’re saying.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Oh, I’m sure we will be meeting again, Adena.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Just count the stars, Dena.” I choke out the words, whisper them on the wind that will carry her soul far away from me. “Just count the stars.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Then you have no idea how much power you hold over me.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Fearless (The Powerless Trilogy, #3))
“
I hope they know how admired they are up there,” she murmurs. “I mean, I count them before bed every night.” I shake my head at the sight of her admiring something far duller than she.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Just because I’m a lover, doesn’t mean I can’t admire the fighters.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
There is not a single cynical thought to deny the fact that she may be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on. She’s intimidatingly peaceful – a contradiction in itself. And I almost want to despise her for it. Because I fear there is a chance that I may begin to enjoy her.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I regret not buying that blue shirt from you, if only so I had your attention long enough to convince you that red suits you better. I regret not telling you how much I like it when you blow those bangs out of your eyes, or the way you clap after finishing a row of stitches. I regret smothering every smile you made me want to give you. And I regret not telling you the truth. But most of all, not saying goodbye.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I don’t want to fight your power—I want to fight you. Just you.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerless (The Powerless Trilogy, #1))
“
The most powerful man paired with the most powerless woman.
”
”
Lauren Roberts, Powerless
“
But it should be me. Me who dies brutally. Dies alone. Dies at all.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
It truly is a curse to feel so deeply, to so daringly deem someone worthy of my affection.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
The brush of Death’s fingers down my face, like a calming caress. I thought I would be frightened of him and the end he’s dragging me towards. But it’s comforting in a way, being fully aware that this is the end.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I’m quite sure that even the stars are envious of you.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I would give him every piece of me if he only asked politely.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I was right,” I say cheerily, “you’re not half as grumpy as you seem.” I feel him straighten behind me. “Yeah, shit, what did you do to me?
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
To the girls with softer dreams—your purpose is just as powerful
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
She looks over at me, and I look over at her. Something like understanding seems to settle between us. As though loneliness has found its equal.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
She smells of honey, of happiness incarnate. And it’s entirely too distracting.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
You are the sweetest thing I have never tasted.” Another brush of his knuckles. “And I doubt I’ve craved anything more.” Holy shit.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Even in the midst of crying, she manages to glow, as though each tear were a drop of sunlight.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
He’s not exactly a ray of sunshine, but perhaps something equivalent to moonlight. Mysterious and unnerving. Equally as beautiful, yet, soft enough to stare at.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
What a terrifying realization, to admit one’s admiration for another.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
If I had a single rational thought left, it vanishes when I lay eyes on him. If there is a God, this man is certainly proof that He has His favorites.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
In the end, it was all light and dark, loud and soft. I knew nothing but the memory of those I loved. One, a friend. The other, unfinished. And that alone is what I took with me into the next life. But I watched, warm and bright and high above. Just as he promised.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Power is portrayal.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Reckless (The Powerless Trilogy, #2))
“
Nevertheless, I burrow my chin into the worn threads, finding comfort in the fraying collar. Or perhaps it’s something far more symbolic that soothes me. Perhaps it’s him.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Where are you going?” The door swings open. “To find them.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around. And I wonder how I’ve stumbled this long without her to guide me.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I’ll see you soon,’ I whisper. ‘I’m counting down the hours, Dena.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
If there is a God, this man is certainly proof that He has His favorites. He’s breathtaking in the way I would imagine a stab wound to be, so handsome it’s piercing. Like a blade, everything about him is sharp and cold.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
She turns away, hiding her face in the shadow I’m casting over her. “Look at me.” Again, each word is soft enough to comfort, but stern enough to steal her attention. Her head tilts back toward me. “Are you all right?” She nods vigorously. “I am now.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
You are the sweetest thing I have never tasted.’ Another brush of his knuckles. ‘And I doubt I’ve craved anything more.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
She’s intimidatingly peaceful—a contradiction in itself. And I almost want to despise her for it. Because I fear there is a chance that I may begin to enjoy her.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
It should have been me. I wish it was me.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Her name is on a list of the dead.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
My thumb finds the scar cutting crookedly through my lips,
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Falling is not what I do. No, I trip into love, unable to slow down long enough to question these feelings or the person I’ve dumped them
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
But you… you’re the embodiment of everything I am not. And yet, here I am, crawling back to you as though I’ve left a piece of myself behind.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
She is an intoxicating sort of exhausting, like running until you’ve lost your breath but enjoying the feeling all the while. And I feel as though I’ve been sprinting for days.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Well, not to you,” I scoff. “I’m not wasting any of my goodness on someone who clearly already has an abundance.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
You make even the stars envious,’ I repeat softly, leaning towards her. ‘Because one day – far from now – you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Yes, nothing says ‘welcome home’ like a newly arranged pile of garbage.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I never imagined it would be this difficult to leave. Because now there is her and every moment after. I had never known happiness before her, and if there is to be an after in which she doesn’t exist, I know I never will again.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
The most powerful man paired with the most powerless woman. “It would be an honor to be your partner, Kitt,” I say softly, smiling slightly. Play the part. Kitt chuckles, sounding relieved. “I was hoping you would say that, Paedyn.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerless (The Powerless Trilogy, #1))
“
I falter at the sight of my fingers. Twisted and broken and useless. The pain is paralyzing.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
He looks to be guarding the sticky bun with his life.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
All right, I… I need your help.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
it’s glinting silver that catches my eye.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
The strongest weapon a woman has at her disposal is that she often underestimated
”
”
Lauren Roberts, Powerless
“
Choosing me. Finding me worth the effort. Because I’m completely undeserving of it. Of her. If darkness is the absence of light, then that is what I am when she is not around. And I wonder how I’ve stumbled this long without her to guide me.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
You’ve been working for two full days now.’ I cross my arms over my chest. ‘And I’ve heard enough words for today. I can’t imagine how exhausted you must be after speaking them all.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
There is not a single cynical thought to deny the fact that she may be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on. She’s intimidatingly peaceful—a contradiction in itself. And I almost want to despise her for it. Because I fear there is a chance that I may begin to enjoy her.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
What a pathetic attempt at nonchalance. As if I don’t admire the shine of each ringlet, or the way they cling to one another in an intertwining hug. As if I can’t stop myself from staring at the column of her neck when she pulls that curly hair into a messy knot, the forgotten strands like swirling ink down her back. As if I can stop myself from admiring how easily a laugh parts her soft lips. The way the sun warms her skin, as though she was meant to be cloaked in light. It’s how joy bubbles out of her in the form of clapping hands and endearing rambles. It’s the way my thoughts never cease to wander towards her, my heart falling senselessly after. And I fear that I’ve admired every inch of her.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
She is an intoxicating sort of exhausting, like running until you’ve lost your breath but enjoying the feeling all the while. And I feel as though I’ve been sprinting for days. Even worse, I fear that I am, in fact, beginning to enjoy her.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
Waiting impatiently for Adena to arrive, I pull the slim box from one of the many pockets on the vest she made. The lid slides off easily, allowing me to admire what lies within. The needle is slightly larger than the ones I’ve witnessed her stab each finger with. The silver gleams, even in the dull light. I’m just able to make out the intricate, half-moon designs carved across the length of it.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I’m forced to clutch the railing in front of me to stop from sinking to my knees. Because I know that dark hair, those curls that bounce with each terrified turn of her head. I can make out those crooked bangs from where I stand. My shout is swallowed by the roaring crowd. I’ve found her. At the center of a Trial.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
I wanted her to be formidable. Recklessly bold. Powerful despite ability."
I stare at him, taking in each word.
"I am none of those things," I whisper.
He drops my hand to brush gentle fingers beneath my chin, raising my face up towards his. "You are much more than those things."
"You overestimate me."
"No. I just see you.
”
”
Lauren Roberts, Reckless
“
Well, technically, I run right through her. Despite my many years of being able to pass through matter at will, the tingling sensation never fails to send a shiver down my spine. I have yet to get accustomed to the ability I possess—a result of the Plague that swept through Ilya and formed the generations after into Elites.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
He stole your smile,’ she whispers, tears clinging to dark lashes. ‘No wonder you didn’t have one to give me.’ Regret rams into me once again, her words a reminder of every missed opportunity to make her smile with one of my own. ‘I’ll find one,’ I murmur. ‘Steal it back if I must. For you.’ Her lips lift, eyes shining with tears. ‘And I’ll cherish it.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
My mind reels, running over every bit of information given to us about the Elites. It’s public knowledge that Kai Azer is the only recorded Wielder in all of Ilya. Some believe it is because no one has ever possessed such power, while others speculate that the king has ensured his son is the most powerful Elite in the kingdom by killing off any other threat. And I think I may be staring at one. May have been staring at one for a week.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5))
“
right.” He drags his fingers through damp hair. “I can’t let that be right because I’ve justified everything. Everything I’ve done as the Enforcer. It was all to protect the Elites and Ilya from this disease, but if Ordinaries aren’t weakening our powers…” He trails off, running a hand over his face. I reach a hesitant hand toward him, unsure what to say. “Kai…” “That would mean that he’s been killing Ordinaries to prevent them from reproducing with Elites. He’s been killing healthy, innocent people.” He finally looks over at me, gray eyes icy. “I’ve been killing healthy, innocent people.
”
”
Lauren Roberts (Reckless (The Powerless Trilogy, #2))
“
I show her my palms, surrendering before the fight has even begun. "You don't really want this and neither do I. Especially because I wouldn't want to mess up that pretty face of yours, darling."
She all but rolls her eyes at me. "That's funny because I won't hesitate to mess up your pretty face."
I smirk. "I knew you thought I was pretty."
At that, she throws another punch at my face that I easily evade. We continue circling each other, slowly. Damp hair clings to my forehead and I comb my fingers through it, pushing it off my sticky skin.
"You do know that I have eight powers at my disposal right now and any one of them could drop you." I grin as I say it, watching her eyes narrow.
"I don't want to fight your power-I want to fight you. Just you." Her piercing gaze never leaves mine as she says it, even as the other Elites turn their attention toward us, finding this fight far more interesting than their training.
"So, you just want me? No powers?"
"Yes, I just want you," she breathes, annoyed with me.
My mouth twists into a crooked grin. "I knew you wanted me, Gray.
”
”
Lauren Roberts, Powerless