It's time for both of us to be free.

— Jessica Khoury

Love is nothing more than elevated levels of dopamine, nor-epinephrine, and other chemicals. But the way Uncle Antonio's face lights up as they dance... I wonder what it would be like to feel that. To let the chemicals of romance take over for just a little while. Then I remember that I am immortal and that my body doesn't work like everyone else's. Who knows if I can even feel love?

— Jessica Khoury

Love. Such a sweet, simple word. A word I've been searching for my entire life - but especially since I met Rio - and I never knew it. Until ow. When I hear it on his lips, I know as I can never know anything else - no numbers, no formulas, no scientific names - I know it's true. A piece slides into place in my heart, filling a hole I never knew existed.

— Jessica Khoury

No! Agate is for girls. If a man eats too much of it, he starts to look like a woman. That is the most unscientific thing I've ever heard. Then you haven't met my cousin Atari. Too much agate. Now the mothers use him as wet nurse.

— Jessica Khoury

Now, when I look into his eyes, I don't see death - but eternity. For the first time in my life, I am looking into someone's gaze and realizing that not only do I understand what's in his eyes...he understands what's in mine.

— Jessica Khoury

Remember, Pia," he whispers. "Perfect is as perfect does.

— Jessica Khoury

Reminding me how fragile this life is and how easily it can be lost. Compelling me to live and to live well, while I still can. Because sooner or later, we must all face eternity.

— Jessica Khoury

She said, 'People are like stars, but it's stories that turn us into constellations. If we don't tell our stories, we burn alone in the dark.

— Jessica Khoury

She was a blank, a wordless being. She was a hole in the universe.

— Jessica Khoury

Tell me about your master.” I nod. “He is eighth in line to the throne, the son of—”“No, no,” Caspian interrupts irritably. “Tell me what he is like.”“He is a gambler,” I say. There is no point in lying about these things. “He is bold, but reckless. Brave, but impetuous. A man who. . . Holds grudges.” Pausing, I finish in a whisper, “He would risk his life to save someone else, without even thinking twice.” Caspida turns her head a bit, interest growing in her eyes. “And he sets out on a mad voyage and sails straight into a nest of jinn.”“My master is noble,” I say with a smile, “but I made no suggestions as to his intelligence.

— Jessica Khoury