There's no rule that says you have to be a prodigy to be a hero," she insisted. "If people wanted to stand up for themselves or protect their loved ones or do what they believe in their hearts is the right thing to do, then they would do it. If they wanted to be heroic, they would find ways to be heroic, even without supernatural powers.

For the record, while it's very charming that you keep trying to protect me, I would like to remind you that I actually know how to defend myself."He grimaced. "I know. It's just... instinct.""Well, stop it."He held his hands up. "Won't happen again." He hesitated. I mean, unless I'm pretty sure you're about to die, then I'm absolutely going to rescue you, whether you like it or not.

But for some reason she had left off the metal mask, and though Adrian knew he shouldn't assign it any significance, he couldn't help it.Without the mask, he still didn't see her as Nightmare. He could only see Nova. Nova, who had betrayed him a hundred different ways. But still Nova.

She had always been astonished by people who could fall asleep fast, like there was nothing to it. Like their spirits weren't burdened with suffering and resentment. Like their hearts and minds could so easily be at peace.