Annie

“After a long moment, he said, "Aleksander."
A little laugh escaped me. He arched a brow, a smile tugging at his lips. "What?"
"It's just so... common." Such an ordinary name, held by kings and peasants alike.
His smile deepened and he cocked his head to the side. It almost hurt to see him this way. "Will you say it?" he asked.
"Aleksander," I whispered.”
― Leigh Bardugo, Ruin and Rising

“People didn't turn their eyes to the heavens in search of the dark. It was the light they sought.”
― Leigh Bardugo, Rule of Wolves

“Are you thinking of killing me, Zoya?"
"Yes."
"Your king wouldn't be pleased."
"I'm not going to do it," she lied. "I just enjoy thinking about it. It's soothing, like humming myself a little melody.”
― Leigh Bardugo, Rule of Wolves

“You were meant to be like me. You were meant . . . You’re nothing now.”
He dropped his hands. I saw realization strike him. He was truly alone. And he always would be.
I saw emptiness enter his eyes, felt the yawning void inside him stretch wider, and infinite wasteland. The calm left him, all that cool certainty. He cried out in his rage.”
― Leigh Bardugo, Ruin and Rising