They said that love was terrifying and tender, wild and sweet, and none of it made any sense. But now I knew that every mad word was true.

If we all got what we deserved we'd all be dead. And yet somehow God refrains from smiting us. Whatever you ought to have done then, dying won't undo it now.

I had kissed the monster who governed our world

You fought and fought to keep all the cruelty locked up in your head, and for what? None of them ever loved you, because none of them ever knew you

I love you," he said. "I love you more than any other creature, because you are cruel, and kind, and alive. Nyx Triskelion, will you be my wife?

I’m your wife! I burn for your touch! I thirst for your love!

He was my enemy. He was evil. He wasn’t even human. I should have been disgusted, but just like the last time, I couldn’t help myself any more than water could stop itself running downhill.

How did you make Shade into your shadow?" I asked. "Do you remember?"The question broke the mood; in a moment Ignifex was back on his feet, all grace and half smiles and narrowed eyes."I didn't make him. I've always had a shadow, like everyone else. And I hate him because he's a fool and a coward and he tries to steal my wives."Those last words were so unexpected that I laughed. Then Ignifex raised an eyebrow and I realized that he was serious, at least as much as he ever was.

He’s a monster,” I said. “Maybe I’m a monster to pity him. But I can’t leave him.

Tonight you need to learn about your duties.”I know my duty, I wanted to say, but followed her silently. I had borne Aunt Telomache’s preaching for years; it couldn’t get any worse now.“Your wifely duties,” she added, opening the door to my room, and I realized that it could get infinitely worse.