Hope

“If you want to make your enemy into something you can hate, you first remove his humanity.... Had Ulrich said that at one point, or had that been something he’d heard during one of Solaris’ speeches? It was true, whoever had said it, and the Chronicles had certainly tried to remove all vestige of humanity from these Heralds. Make them only icons. When they are seen as a type, and not as individuals, they are easy for a fanatical mind to grasp—and hate.”
― Mercedes Lackey, Storm Warning

“Some terrible people could be redeemed if they weren’t too far gone. Some kind people could turn hate-filled and cruel. Some liars became the most honest, loyal friends possible. Or not. It really was up to them. Some saw the benefits of empathy and helpfulness, and gained the ecstasy of validation by love. Others, not so much, and just a few more weaponized their pasts. Whatever their origin story, an asshole was an asshole.”
― Mercedes Lackey, Beyond

“And revenge generally turns out to be a lot less satisfying than you think it will be.”
― Mercedes Lackey, Apex

“There are times when—when being alone is a hurt that’s worse than dying. When it’s easier to die than to be alone. Aren’t there?”
― Mercedes Lackey, Magic's Pawn