You were meant to be my balance, Alina. You are the only person in the world who might rule with me, who might keep my powers in check.

It was only then that she saw the black-clad boy crossing the room toward her. The shadows seemed to shift as he passed, pulled along by him like a tide.

characters • the grisha trilogy — alina starkov

I don’t care if you think I’m a Saint or a fool or the Darkling’s whore. If you want to remain at the Little Palace, you will follow me. And if you don’t like it, you will be gone by tonight, or I will have you in chains. I am a soldier. I am the Sun Summoner. And I’m the only chance you have.

_{But you’re the one who was ready to abandon them. I’m the one who will give them power over their enemies.}

books read in 2017: siege and storm, by leigh bardugo. 

“you know the problem with heroes and saints, nikolai?” i asked as i closed the book’s cover and headed for the door. “they always end up dead.”

I caught the briefest glimpse of surprise before his face shuttered again. 

_{character moodboard:  →   N I K O L A I   L A N T S O V}

_{“I keep to a strict diet of ill-advised enthusiasm and heartfelt regret.”}

_{I took another step. He stilled. Our bodies were almost touching now. I reached up and cupped his cheek with my hand. This time the flash of confusion on his face was impossible to miss. He held himself frozen, his only movement the steady rise and fall of his chest. Then, as if in concession, he let his eyes close. A line appeared between his brows.}

_{“It’s true,” I said softly. “You are stronger, wiser, infinite in experience.” I leaned forward and whispered, my lips brushing the shell of his ear. “But I am an apt pupil.”}

happy birthday, vee!!! @shirewalker