Falling in love was like falling off a cliff. It felt pretty much like flying until you hit the ground.

Do notforget duty. But choose love when you can.

Just tell me you don't love me, and I'll let the matter drop.""What?""What I said. Just say, 'Rai, I don't love you and I never will'. It's that simple.""Raisa, this is getting us nowhere.""Say it!

Tears stung her eyes. She sank her knees next to the sleeping bench and gently raked strands of golden hair from him forehead."Don't you die. don't you dare. I forbid it." As if Han Alister had ever listened to anything she said.

If he even survives." She shivered, and Amon put his arm around her, drawing her into his steady warmth."It's that bad?"Raisa nodded. "He looked...he looked awful, Amon. Willo doesn't know if he'll...She's worried about him. My mother died, and I never got to tell her that I loved her, that I finally understood - just a little anyway. If Han dies too, I don't know what I'll do.

What kind of love would drive a man for miles through solid rock?

And, like a fool, she kissed him back. Kissed him a way that would leave no doubt about the way she felt about him. Kissed him because she knew the chances were slim she'd have very many kisses like that in her lifetime. Which is a sad thing when you're only seventeen.

I live in the present because the future is always chancy. When it comes to being with you, I'm willing to take the risk.

Will you give the girl to me?" she said. "Will you let me try?"He nodded, dizzy with relief. "Please, Willo. Please. Save her. It doesn't matter...what happens to me.