David looked at me, then, the regret plain on his face. No matter what I said, we both knew the hard truth. We do our best. We try. And usually, it makes no difference at all

I’m also Sturmhond, commander of the Volkvony, scourge of the True Sea.’'Scourge?’'Well, I’m vexing at the very least.

Tutto quello che vale la pena fare comincia sempre come una pessima idea.

I don't care if you think I'm a Saint or a fool or the Darkling's whore. If you want to remain at the Little Palace you will follow me. And if you don't like it, you will be gone by tonight, or I will have you in chains. I am a solider. I am the Sun Summoners. And I'm the only chance you have.

You come back to train with Botkin. I hit big girl same as little girl." "That's very egalitarian of you." I said, and hurried Tamar out of the stables before Botkin decided to show me just how fair-minded he could be.

I was afraid to show doubt or indecision, and there were days when I felt like I was being torn down to nothing by the constant weight of responsibility and expectation." - Alina Starkov

Don't argue. Never deign to deny. Meet insults with laughter.

The Darkling had told her he was destined to rule. He had claimed his throne, and a part of her too. He was welcome to it. For the living and the dead, she would make herself a reckoning.She would rise.

Not every man," I murmured.Nikolai followed my gaze. "Yes, Alina, even your stalwart champion has his price." He turned back to me, his hazel eyes thoughtful. "And I suspect I'm looking at it right now.