We may share an ability, you and I, but that does not make us equals.

No one suffers as beautifully as you do.

He suffered," added Athos softly. "But not like you." He brought his mouth closer. "No one suffers as beautifully as you." There it was, in the corner of Holland's mouth, the crease of his eye. Anger. Pain. Defiance. Athos smiled, victorious.

And Athos had. He’d broken Holland one bone, one day, one order at a time. Until all Holland wanted, more than the ability to save his world, more than the strength to bring the magic back, more than anything, was for it to end.It was cowardice, he knew, but cowardice came so much easier than hope.

I am still in control," said Kell through gritted teeth."No", said Holland. "You're not. Once you let the magic in, you've already lost."Kell's chest tightened. "I don't want to fight you, Holland.

Life isn't made of choices, it's made of trades. Some are good, some are bad, but they all have a cost.

His heart slowed, winding down like a music box, a season at its end. The last air left Holland's lungs. And then, at last, the world breathed in.

All of them screamed by the end.

It does nothing to dwell on what's been taken from you. Nothing.