The citizens of Ludania would finally be free, no longer forced into a class system that determined what language they could speak, what jobs they could do, or who they could be.

We don’t want that, Charlie. We don’t want to fight, but we can’t just go on like this. We deserve to choose what we want to be, who we want to be.

She fell asleep like that, wrapped in warmth. Wrapped in Jay.

Violet could see the fear in his eyes. “I have to tell you, the idea of losing you scares the hell out of me, Vi. You know that, don’t you?” He sighed heavily, still holding on to her as he stared back at her. “Promise me, no more gang fights.

Trust had become a commodity that few could afford.

And are you trying to tell me you aren’t a little bit fascinated by me?

His eyes warmed, even as his brows drew together. “So are you saying we have your cooperation? That you’ll agree to be our queen?” “I’m saying that you’re guaranteed not to have my cooperation if you don’t help me.

I’ve been so worried about strange men following you around that I forgot how dangerous Homecoming Queens can be.

And touching him – I would have to stop doing that as well. But not now. Later, perhaps.

I swear that boy can’t function without you, not even at lunch.