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“You didn't allow me,' I reminded him. 'You just couldn't stop me.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“I smiled. 'I win.'

'It's not about winning, Poppy.'

'It's not?' I lowered the dagger, stepping back.

'It's about surviving.'

'Isn't that winning, though?'

He shot me a sidelong glance as he dragged his arm over his forehead. 'I suppose you can look at it that way, but it's never a game.'

'I know that.' ... 'But if it were a game, I still would've won.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“I'm sorry, for... not... protecting you.'

His face blurred as I stared at him. 'The blood wasn't pouring from the wound as freely now. 'You have protected me. You still will.'

'I... didn't.' His gaze trekked over my shoulder to where Lord Mazeen stood. 'I... failed you... as a man. Forgive me.'

'There's nothing to forgive you for,' I cried. 'You've done nothing wrong.'

His dulling eyes fixed on me. 'Please.'

'I forgive you.' I rocked forward, dropping my forehead to his. 'I forgive you. I do. I forgive you.'

Vikter shuddered.

'Please don't,' I whispered. 'Please don't leave me. lease. I can't. I can't do this without you. Please.'

His hand slipped from mine.

I drew in air, but it went nowhere as I lifted my head, looking down at him. I frantically searched his face. His eyes were open, his lips parted, but he didn't see me. He didn't see anything anymore.

'Vikter?' I pressed down on his chest, feeling for his heart, for just a beat. That's all I wanted to feel. Just a heartbeat. Please. 'Vikter?'

My name was whispered softly. It was Hawke. He placed his hand over mine. I looked at him and shook my head.

'No.'

'I'm sorry,' he said, gently lifting my hand. 'I'm so sorry.'

'No,' I repeated, my breath now coming in short, rapid pants. 'No.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“You're as brave as any guard on the Rise.'

Taking that as a huge compliment, I smiled. 'Well, thank you.'

'And just as foolish as any new recruit.'

My smile turned upside down. 'I take back my thank you.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“I have her.'
...
'Do you?'

'With my sword and with my life.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“I'm good at what I do.'

'And what is that?' Vikter challenged.

'Killing.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“Aw, are you worried about me?' I teased. 'You're such a good father.'

His expression turned bland. 'Stop deflecting, Poppy.'

'Why? I'm so good at it.'

'But you're actually not.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“Did you think I didn't know?' His smile was slow and smug. 'I'm watching even when you think I'm not.'

'Well, that is... creepy.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“... you're important to me, Poppy. Not because you're the Maiden, but because you're... you.'

A knot of emotion formed in my chest and fought its way up my throat. I didn't give him a chance to realise what I was doing. I launched myself at him, wrapping my arms around his waist and hugging him tightly. 'Thank you,' I murmured against his chest.

Vikter was as stiff as a guard on the Rise for their very first time, but then he put his hands on my back. And patted me.

I grinned.

'You know I'll never replace your father, nor would I ever try to, but you're like a daughter to me.'

I hugged him tighter.

He patted me again. 'I worry about you. Partly because it's my job, but mostly because it's you.'

'You're important to me, too.' My words were muffled against his chest. 'Even though you think my punches are weak.'

His chuckle was rough as he dropped his chin to the top of my head. 'Your punches are weak when you're not doing them correctly. He pulled back, clasping my cheeks. 'But, girl, your aim is deadly. Don't ever forget that.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“The truth is not designed to ease fears,' Vikter responded.

'Is that why we tell lies, then?' Hawke questioned, and I pressed my lips together.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“You look... lovely,' he said, and my stomach dipped in the most pleasant way possible. He turned to Tawny. 'As do you.'

Tawny smiled. 'Thank you.'

He glanced at Vikter. 'You, as well.'

Vikter snorted, and I smiled, while Tawny giggled. 'You do look exceptionally handsome tonight, ' she said, an I swore Vikter's cheeks deepened in colour as I turned back to the dais.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“Do you understand what she is?' he demanded, voice so low it was barely audible. 'Do you even understand what you could've caused if anyone other than I had come upon you two?'

I stepped forward. 'Vikter-'

'I know exactly who she is,' Hawke shot back. 'Not what she is. Maybe you've forgotten that she's not just a godsdamn inanimate object whose only purpose is to serve a kingdom, but I haven't.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

“Death had come for him, and that voice also whispered that death would've found a way.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash