Shama

“I am forever your most devoted believer.”
― Mò Xiāng Tóngxiù, 天官赐福 [Tiān Guān Cì Fú]

“The flickering flames of the nameless ghost flared brighter. "I won't forget. Your Highness, I am forever your most devoted believer."
Xie Lian forced down his sob. "...I've already lost all my believers. Believing in me won't do you any good, it might even bring disaster. Do you know? Even my friend has left me."
The nameless ghost declared, as if swearing an oath, "I won't.”
― 墨香铜臭, 天官赐福 [Tiān Guān Cì Fú]

“We are all there, goddess and mortal and the boy who was both.”
― Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles

“Name one hero who was happy."
I considered. Heracles went mad and killed his family; Theseus lost his bride and father; Jason's children and new wife were murdered by his old; Bellerophon killed the Chimera but was crippled by the fall from Pegasus' back.
"You can't." He was sitting up now, leaning forward.
"I can't."
"I know. They never let you be famous AND happy." He lifted an eyebrow. "I'll tell you a secret."
"Tell me." I loved it when he was like this.
"I'm going to be the first." He took my palm and held it to his. "Swear it."
"Why me?"
"Because you're the reason. Swear it."
"I swear it," I said, lost in the high color of his cheeks, the flame in his eyes.
"I swear it," he echoed.
We sat like that a moment, hands touching. He grinned.
"I feel like I could eat the world raw.”
― Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles