"The Popes were greatly saddened when they heard of her disobedience, for they knew she must atone. If not, how many others would venture into the faery realm, disrupting the task and angering the fey and the gods, perhaps even severing the divine bond between our two worlds?"

"This time, something does seem different. I feel there is a deadly sliver of truth within the rumors. After two thousand years, I fear the Return has come."

“He who sees evil and does naught is just as complicit as those who stain their hands with the act.”

“Something about the way he sits — it’s too still, too calm. It puts me on edge, like he’s watching me too closely. Gives me the feeling that something's about to happen, even if I can’t prove it.”

“Everything is fine. After all, no one was screaming, no alarms were blaring and nothing seemed to be on fire—so far, so good.

But why am I the only one awake?”

“My mentor once told me I wouldn't die. She thought I was way too stubborn to open the door when Death knocked. But when Death came for her, he didn't pound on the door.”

“She pressed the glowing lily to her chest, the cool petals steadying her. "...Thank you, mysterious friend. Thank you." She stayed for a moment, warmed by the unexpected kindness.”

“He could only stumble backward down the corridor as the long blade slashed and tore through the air. It had to weigh a ton, but they carried its momentum into each swing like a dancer of death.”