Mariana

“Mercy." He said the word as if he were tasting something unfamiliar. "I could be merciful.”
― Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone

“Know that I loved you, she said to the Darkling. Know that it was not enough.”
― Leigh Bardugo, Ruin and Rising

“Beside Ruby, the Darkling lay in his black kefta. Who had tended him? I wondered, feeling an ache rise in my throat. Who had combed his dark hair back so neatly from his forehead? Who had folded his graceful hands on his chest?”
― Leigh Bardugo, Ruin and Rising

“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