Sophia

“More than anything in the world I would have him see me, and know me. But if he saw me and knew me truly, he would despise me, despise what it is I hold inside me. I wonder if this is what all women eventually come to know - a choice each comes to make between obscuring her true self in exchange for the false regard of a good man, or allowing herself the freedom to be as she truly is and settling for a brute who couldn't care less if she is as broken, as coarse, as hopeless as he.”
― A.K. Blakemore, The Manningtree Witches

“But you also can’t be a doormat. So you must exercise kindness and judgment. Not everyone will deserve your kindness. When they show you they’re not worthy, believe them.”
― Parini Shroff, The Bandit Queens

“Power is persuasion, and persuasion is not consent (...)”
― Megan E. O'Keefe, The Blighted Stars

“What would hold their attention, though? Inspiration struck. “I have demands!” Istvhan cried. One of the medics stepped forward, holding up his hands in a peaceful gesture. “Everyone calm down. This doesn’t have to end badly. We can resolve this.” Blessed are the peacemakers, thought Istvhan, for they will buy us time.”
― T. Kingfisher, Paladin's Strength