Alina Quotes & Sayings

We are alike," he said, "as no one else is, as no one else will ever be."
The truth of it rang through me. Like calls to like. — Leigh Bardugo

Scars made good reminders. — Leigh Bardugo

You don't want to be doing this.
This is the only thing I want to be doing — Leigh Bardugo

I have loved you all my life, Mal," I whispered through my tears. "There is no end to our story. — Leigh Bardugo

I will stip away all that you know, all that you love....
Until you have no shelter byt me — Leigh Bardugo

Anyway, I think I made a bit of progress."
"How did you manage that?"
"Well, they liked that you served in the First Army, and that you saved their prince's life."
"After he risked his own life rescuing us?"
"I may have taken some liberties with the details."
"Oh, Nikolai will love that. Is there more?"
"I told them you hate herring."
"Why?"
"And that you love plum cake. And that Ana Kuya took a switch to you when you ruined your spring slippers in puddles."
I winced. "Why would you tell them all that?'
"I wanted to make you human," he said. "All they see when they look at you is the Sun Summoner. They see a threat, another powerful Grisha like the Darkling. I want them to see a daughter or a sister or a friend. I want them to see Alina."
I felt a lump rise in my throat. "Do you practice being wonderful?"
"Daily," he said with a grin. Then he winked. "But I prefer 'useful. — Leigh Bardugo

They say that girls are the ones who want fairy tail endings, but then again, who are the authors of fairy tales? mostly men ... — Alina Radoi

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

We are all time travelers, we just don't know it yet.The only problem is that we only have a one way ticket, destination: FUTURE. — Alina Radoi

I've never understood this taste for otkazat'sya. Is it because you thought you were one of them for so long?"
"I had a taste for you, once." His head snapped up. He hadn't expected that. Saints, it was satisfying. — Leigh Bardugo

Belonging: that was the name for it. More tempting than sex and so far out of the question as to be unthinkable. — Angela B. Wade

In time, all of our achievements may be forgotten, but only if, we do not heed their influences. — Melissa Alina Strouse

The woman said something to Roman. He stopped, turned to her, and shook his staff.
She crossed her arms. I couldn't see her face, but I read the body language well enough. I shake my magic stick at you!" "Let me tell you what you can do with your stick ... " — Ilona Andrews

Barrons Books and Baubles had been ransacked!

Tables were overturned, books torn from shelves and strewn everywhere, baubles broken. Even my little TV behind the counter had been destroyed.

"Barrons?" I called warily. It was night and the lights were on. My illusory Alina had told me more than an hour had passed. Was it the same night, nearly dawn? Or was it the night following our theft attempt? Had Barrons come back from Wales yet? Or was he still there, searching for me? When I'd been so rudely ripped from reality, who or what had come through those basement doors?

I heard footsteps, boots on hardwood, and turned expectantly toward the connecting doors.

Barrons was framed in the doorway. His eyes were black ice. He stared at me a moment, raking me from head to toe. "Nice tan, Ms. Lane. So, where the fuck have you been for the past month? — Karen Marie Moning

Learn everything you want to know, and then learn some more. Don't worry if something doesn't go well. You are capable of so much. — Alina Bronsky

Mal took a single tentative step toward me. Then he closed the space between us in two long strides. One hand slid around my waist, the other cupped my face. Gently, he titled my mouth up to his.
"Come back to me," he said softly. He drew me to him, but as his lips met mine, something flickered in the corner of my eye. — Leigh Bardugo

I've waged the war you forced me to, Alina," said the Darkling. "If you hadn't run from me, the Second Army would still be intact. All those Grisha would still be alive. Your tracker would be safe and happy with his regiment. When will it be enough? When will you let me stop? — Leigh Bardugo

I don't want lies between us, Alina."
"How many lies have you told me, Sturmhond? How many secrets have you kept until you were ready to share them?"
"Prince's prerogative?"
"If a mere prince gets a pass, so does a living saint."
"Are you going to make a habit of winning arguments? It's very unbecoming."
"Was this an argument?"
"Obviously not. I don't lose arguments. — Leigh Bardugo

It's always been this way. There were rumors about me even before I was born. It's why my mother never calls me Sobachka. She says it makes me sound like a mongrel."
My heart gave a little pang at that. I'd been called plenty of names growing up.
"I like mongrels," I said. "They have cute floppy ears."
"My ears are very dignified. — Leigh Bardugo

I grabbed the lapels of his coat, tears filling my eyes. "Don't tell me this is all happening for a reason ... Or that it's going to be okay. Don't tell me you're ready to die." ...
He met my gave, his blue eyes steady, "It's not going to be okay." He brushed hair back from my cheeks and cupped my face in his rough hands. "None of this is happening for a reason." He skimmed his lips over mine. "And Saints help me, Alina, I want to live forever."
He kissed me again, and this time, he didn't stop — Leigh Bardugo

Do you think I could have come to you again and again, if you had been less alone?
You called me and I answered — Leigh Bardugo

A privateer learns to press any advantage."
"And a prince?"
"Princes get used to the word yes. — Leigh Bardugo

I already unleashed Baghra on Nikolai. He's going to think I stockpile vicious old women. — Leigh Bardugo

The Darkling smiled, but this time the turn of his lips was cold. He shoved off the table and stalked toward me.

"I will enter the Fold, Alina, and I will show West Ravka what I can do, even without the Sun Summoner. And when I have crushed Lantsov's only ally, I will hunt you like an animal. You will find no sanctuary. You will have no peace." He loomed over me, his gray eyes glinting. "Fly back home to your otkazat'sya," he snarled. "Hold him tight. The rules of this game are about to change. — Leigh Bardugo

I roll my eyes. Well, if I plan on doing anything exciting I promise to give fair warning so just ... take a nap or something. — Leigh Bardugo

He'd wanted me to believe in his ruthlessness.
Then I remembered his words from so long ago: Make me your villain. — Leigh Bardugo

I may not have been completely honest about that."
"You? Less than truthful? I'm shocked, Nikolai. Shocked and horrified. — Leigh Bardugo

There are rumors that your Lantsov prince has been sighted."

I drifted nearer, trying to keep my voice casual. "Where?"

He glanced up, his lips curling in a slight smile. "Do you like him?"

"Does it matter?"

"It's harder when you like them. You mourn them more."

"Tell me, Alina," said the Darkling. "Has he claimed you yet?"

"Claimed me? Like a peninsula?"

"No blushes. No averted eyes. How you've changed. What about your faithful tracker? Will he sleep curled at the foot of your throne? — Leigh Bardugo

I would have been different too, without you. Weaker, reckless." He smiled slightly. "Afraid of the dark." He brushed the tears from my cheeks. I wasn't sure when they'd started. "But no matter who or what I was, I would have been yours. — Leigh Bardugo

Call me that again," she growled. "And I'll gut you, rip out your spine through your nose, yank your spleen out of your asshole and feed it to you," she hissed. "Got it? — Alina Meuangkhot

And the Darkling?"
"I tried to kill him."
"As one does. — Leigh Bardugo

Mal adjusted his hood to better hide his face and tipped up his mask, then reached forward and did the same with mine. He leaned in. Our jackal masks bumped snouts.
I started to laugh.
"Next time, different costumes," he grumbled.
"Bigger hats? — Leigh Bardugo

Mal shouted. I heard scuffling behind me and knew Tolya had taken hold of him. "Alina!" His voice was raw white wood, torn from the heart of a tree. I did not turn. — Leigh Bardugo

I want you to know my name.
The name I was given, not the title I took for myself.
Will you have it?

"Yes"

"Aleksander — Leigh Bardugo

Where were we a year ago, Bink?" "In Vienna." "In Vienna, swiving opera singers." They shared a moment of silent recollection. "And now you're an earl. A man of responsibility. You'll want a wife. — Alina K. Field

And I'm the only one with a plan," Fitz reminded them.
"Hey- I've got plans," Keefe argued.
"Plans that don't involve tormenting Dame Alina," Fitz clarified.
"But those are always the best plans! — Shannon Messenger

When I entered and shut the door, the Darkling gave me a small bow. "How are you, Alina?"
"I'm fine," I managed.
"She's fine!" hooted Baghra. "She's fine! She cannot light a hallway, but she's fine."
I winced and wished I could disappear into my boots.
To my surprise, the Darkling said, "Leave her be."
Baghra's eyes narrowed. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?"
The Darkling sighed and ran his hands through his dark hair in exasperation. When he looked at me, there was a rueful smile on his lips, and his hair was going every which way. "Baghra has her own way of doing things," he said.
"Don't patronize me, boy!" Her voice cracked out like a whip. To my amazement, I saw the Darkling stand up straighter and then scowl as if he'd caught himself.
"Don't chide me, old woman," he said in a low, dangerous voice. — Leigh Bardugo

Here were thirty-two guards on the island, and I escaped. — Megan Miranda

It will never fade, Alina. It will only grow worse, no matter how many scarves you hide behind or what lies you tell, no matter how far or fast you run. — Leigh Bardugo

Tell him you see me when he takes you in his arms — Leigh Bardugo

Read everything you can get your hands on. — Alina Bronsky

We can't choose our blood, but we can choose those who run importance in our lives. — Alina Baker

They were still gawking at me. I reminded myself that these men could make my heart explode in my chest, but eventually I just couldn't stand it.
"I don't do tricks, you know," I snapped.
The Grisha exchanged a glance.
"That was a pretty good trick back in the tent," Ivan said.
I rolled my eyes. "Well, if I plan on doing anything exciting, I promise to give fair warning so just ... take a nap or something."
Ivan looked affronted. I felt a little snap of fear, but the fair-haired Corporalnik let out a bark of laughter.
"I am Fedyor," he said. "And this is Ivan. — Leigh Bardugo

What writing means to me?
-Releasing my wolves...
(Natasa Alina Culea) — Nata?a Alina Culea

Alina," the Darkling repeated, his fingers seeking mine. I was surprised to find fresh tears filling my eyes.
He reached up and brushed his knuckles over the wetness on my cheek. The smallest smile touched his bloodstained lips. "Someone to mourn me." He dropped his hand, as if the weight were too much. "No grave," he gasped, his hand tightening on mine, "for them to desecrate. — Leigh Bardugo

I want to kiss you," Nikolai said. "But I won't. Not until you're thinking of me instead of trying to forget him. — Leigh Bardugo

It seems to work better than jabbing them with a stick," he said.
"Less fun."
"My jabbing arm is tired. — Leigh Bardugo

At Keramzin, I had a doll I made out of an old sock that I used to talk to whenever he was away hunting. Maybe that would make me feel better."
"You were an odd little girl."
"You have no idea. What did you and Tolya play with?"
"The skulls of our enemies."
I saw the glint in her eye, and we both burst out laughing. — Leigh Bardugo

Sometimes I do readings and people can't stop laughing, but I'm reading about pretty tragic things. I think Soviet humor is a desperate humor, rather typical of very different nations, of Jewish people, Ukrainians, and of course, Russians. It's despair - just keep laughing, until you are dead. — Alina Bronsky

I told them you hate herring."
"Why?"
"And that you love plum cake. And that Ana Kuya took a switch to you when you ruined your spring slippers jumping in puddles."
I winced. "Why would you tell them all that?"
"I wanted to make you human," he said. "All they see when they look at you is the Sun Summoner. They see a threat, another powerful Grisha like the Darkling. I want them to see a daughter or a sister or a friend. I want them to see Alina. — Leigh Bardugo

If only people stopped acting like they've been asked to donate a lung every time somebody asks for something the world would be a better place — Alina Radoi

Get moving. We need to find that stag so I don't have to chop your head off."
"I never said you had to chop my head off," I grumbled, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and stumbling after him.
"Run you through with a sword, then? Firing squad?"
"I was thinking something quieter, like maybe a nice poison."
"All you said was that I had to kill you. You didn't say how."
I stuck my tongue out at his back, but I was glad to see him so energized, and I suppose it was a good thing that he could joke about it all. At least, I hoped he was joking. — Leigh Bardugo

I'm ambitious, Alina. I'm driven. But I hope ... I hope I still know the difference between right and wrong." He hesitated. "I offered you freedom, and I meant it. If tomorrow you decided to run back to Novyi Zem with Mal, I'd put you on a ship and let the sea take you." He held my gaze, his hazel eyes steady. "But I'd be sorry to see you go. — Leigh Bardugo

You let Mal come back for me. After you gave me your vow."
"He broke away," said Tamar.
I lifted a brow. The day Mal could break Tolya's hold was indeed a day of miracles.
Tolya hung his head and heaved his huge shoulders. "Forgive me," he said. "I couldn't be the one to keep him from you. — Leigh Bardugo

What if I'm no better than you? What if instead of stopping you, I'm just another avalanche? — Leigh Bardugo

The sweet roll smelled divine, and I thanked him, prancing my way back to Mal and feeling quite pleased with myself. He grabbed my arm and pulled me down a muddy walkway between two houses. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Nobody saw me. He just thought I was another peasant girl."
"We can't take risks like that."
"So you don't want a bite?"
He hesitated. "I didn't say that."
"I was going to give you a bite, but since you don't want one, I'll just have to eat the whole thing myself."
Mal grabbed for the roll, but I danced out of reach, dodging left and right, away from his hands. I could see his surprise, and I loved it. I wasn't the same clumsy girl he remembered.
"You are a brat," he growled and took another swipe.
"Ah, but I'm a brat with a sweet roll. — Leigh Bardugo

That first winter, when it was time for her friends to leave, the girl ventured out into the show to say goodbye, and the stunning raven-haired Squaller handed her another gift.
"A blue kefta," said the math teacher, shaking her head. "What would she do with that?"
"Maybe she knew a Grisha who died," replied the cook, taking note of the tears that filled the girl's eyes. They did not see the note that read, You will always be one of us. — Leigh Bardugo

You just punched a prince, Alina. I guess we can add one more act of treason to our list."
I shook out my sore hand. My knuckles smarted. "First of all, are we so sure he really is a prince? And second, you're just jealous."
"Of course I'm jealous. I thought I was going to get to punch him. That isn't the point. — Leigh Bardugo

All right. And ... can someone see about having the roof fixed?"
Matching grins broke out on Tolya's and Tamar's faces. "Can't we leave it that way for just a few days?"
"No," I laughed. "I don't want the whole thing craving in on us. Talk to the Fabrikators. They should know what to do." I ran my thumb over the raised ridge of flesh that ran the length of my palm. "But don't let them make it too perfect," I added. Scars made good reminders. — Leigh Bardugo

That last night," she said quietly. "Why did you say you hoped you'd never see me again?"
He hadn't said it; it had been his last thought when he'd turned to leave. But he didn't seem to notice the discrepancy as he looked at her now.
"Because," he began before faltering, his voice leaving on a sigh. His left hand reached to rake a path through his hair, scattering the inky thickness in all directions. "The more I learn of you, the more difficult it is to stay away. — Angela B. Wade

I have loved you all my life, Mal. There is no end to our story. — Leigh Bardugo

What is wrong with you?" I whispered furiously.
"Nothing," he said, surprised. "I feel great."
"But how can you be so ... so jaunty?"
"Jaunty? I've never been jaunty. I hope never to be jaunty. — Leigh Bardugo

I turned to the courtyard and waved at Roman and the witch next to him.
"Is that his sister?" Andrea asked me.
"No." I had spoken with both of them. "I'd asked her that. Her name is Alina, she isn't his sister, and she feels deeply sorry for his sisters, because if she had to put up with being in his presence for longer than a day, she would throw herself off the nearest bridge just to end the agony."
"Well," Andrea said. "Glad she cleared that up. — Ilona Andrews

If it works, it will be plenty dramatic. And I suppose that if it doesn't work, it will be even more dramatic, what with the blast."
"David, I think you just made a joke."
He frowned, utterly perplexed. "Did I? — Leigh Bardugo

I wasn't afraid of you, Alina. I was afraid of losing you. That girl you were becoming didn't need me anymore, but she's who you were always meant to be."
"Power hungry? Ruthless?"
"Strong." He looked away. "Luminous. And maybe a little ruthless too. That's what it takes to rule. Ravka is broken, Alina. I think it always has been. The girl I saw in the chapel could change that. — Leigh Bardugo

He leaned against the window, and the gilded frame came into sharp focus. "Do you think it would be any different with your tracker beside you? With that Lantsov pup?"
"Yes," I said simply.
"Because you would be the strong one?"
"Because they're better men than you."
"You might make me a better man."
"And you might make me a monster. — Leigh Bardugo

The boy held her tighter, murmured soft words to lull her to sleep.
"It's only a nightmare," he whispered. "The dreams will stop."
He didn't understand. The dreams were the only place it was safe to use her power now, and she longed for them. — Leigh Bardugo

C'mon," he said. "One foot in front of the other. You know how it's done"
"You're interfering with my plan."
"Oh really?"
"Yes. Faint, get trampled, grievous injuries all around."
"That sounds like a brilliant plan."
"Ah, but if I'm horribly maimed, I won't be able to cross the Fold."
Mal nodded slowly. "I see. I can shove you under a cart if that would help. — Leigh Bardugo

You wanted to wear the second amplifier. You have it. You want to go to Os Alta? Fine, we'll go. You say you need the firebird. I'll find a way to get it for you. But when all this is over, Alina, I wonder if you'll still want me. — Leigh Bardugo

I seem to be immune," I replied. "And luckily, I know what a real kiss should feel like."
I left him standing in the middle of the square. I could get used to making Mal blush. — Leigh Bardugo

Tell me, Alina, has he claimed you yet?"
"Claimed me? Like a peninsula? — Leigh Bardugo

I'm sorry it took me so long to see you, Alina. But I see you now. — Leigh Bardugo

Just you and me."
"Really?"
"It's always just you and me, Alina. — Leigh Bardugo

Fight me as long as you're able.
You will find I have far more practice with eternity — Leigh Bardugo

He has served countless kings, faked countless deaths, bided his time, waiting for you. — Leigh Bardugo

I've been waiting for you a long time, Alina" He said. "You and I are going to change the world. — Leigh Bardugo

I took a breath. "Your highness - "
"Nikolai," he corrected. "But I've also been known to answer to 'sweetheart' or 'handsome. — Leigh Bardugo

Alina, I'll be back to fetch you for dinner, but should you grow restless, do feel free to run screaming from the room or take a dagger to her. Whatever seems most fitting at the time."
"Are you still here?" snapped Baghra.
"I go but hope to remain in your heart," he said solemnly. Then he winked and disappeared. — Leigh Bardugo

Religion has always been an irrelevant aspect if my life. The people here are either pissed of atheists, or religious freaks waiting for God to save them. — Alina Baker

I have waited hundreds of years for this moment, for your power, for this chance. I have earned it with loss and with struggle. I will have it, Alina. Whatever the cost."
"There will be nothing left," I whispered. — Leigh Bardugo

Alina had told her mother in no uncertain terms that if some random wolf came sniffing around her claiming that she was his, she would poke his eyes out. Her parents had both laughed at her, thinking her jesting, but she was dead serious, and if that man before her did not stop sniffing the air around her, she was going to make good on her threat. — Quinn Loftis

Like the teachers at the Duke's estate, the priest thought he knew the girl and what she was capable of. He was wrong. He did not hear their hidden language, did not understand the boy's resolve. He did not see the moment the girl ceased to bear her weakness as a burden and began to wear it as a guise. — Leigh Bardugo

My legs gave way and the Darkling caught me up against his body with one surprisingly strong arm.
"I guess you only look like a mouse," he whispered in my ear, and then beckoned to one of his personal guard. "Take her," he said, handing me over to the oprichnik who reached out his arm to support me. I felt myself flush at the indignity of being handed over like a sack of potatoes, but I was too shaky and confused to protest. Blood was running down my arm from the cut the Darkling had given me. — Leigh Bardugo

What do you want, Mal?" The room seemed very quiet.
"Don't ask me that."
"Why not?"
"Because it can't be."
"I want to hear it anyway."
He blew out a long breath. "Say goodnight. Tell me to leave, Alina."
"No."
"You need an army. You need a crown."
"I do."
He laughed then. "I know I'm supposed to say something noble
I want a united Ravka free from the Fold. I want the Darkling in the ground, where he can never hurt you or anyone else again." He gave a rueful shake of his head. "But I guess I'm the same selfish ass I've always been. For all my talk of vows and honor, what I really want is to put you up against that wall and kiss you until you forget you ever knew another man's name. So tell me to go, Alina. Because I can't give you a title or an army or any of the things you need. — Leigh Bardugo

Do I get to wear a fancy hat?"
"The fanciest," I said. "And possibly a cape."
"Will there be plumes?"
"Oh, yes. Several."
"Then I'm in. — Leigh Bardugo

Why don't you just admit that you wanted to belong to him? Why don't you admit that part of you still does? — Leigh Bardugo

Missing Alina was worse than a terminal illness. At least when you were terminal you knew the pain was going to end eventually. But there was no light at the end of my tunnel. Grief was going to devour me, day into night, night into day, and although I might feel like I was dying from it, might even wish I was, I never would. I was going to have to walk around with a hole in my heart forever. I was going to hurt for my sister until the day I died. If you don't know what I mean or you think I'm being melodramatic, then you've never really loved anyone. — Karen Marie Moning

Wretched boy."
"You like him," I said in disbelief.
Baghra scowled. "Greedy. Arrogant. Takes too many risks."
"You almost sound concerned."
"You like him too, little Saint," she said with a leer in her voice.
"I do," I admitted. "He's been kind when he might have been cruel. It's refreshing."
"He laughs too much."
"There are worse traits. — Leigh Bardugo

Mal snickered.
"What's so funny?"
"I just pictured the Darkling being cornered by a sweaty duchess trying to have her way with him. — Leigh Bardugo

I rolled my eyes. "For defending my honor, you dullard."
He yanked me beneath a shadowed awning. I had a moment's panic when I thought he'd spotted trouble, but then his arms were around me and his lips were pressed to mine.
When he finally drew back, my cheeks were warm and my legs had gone wobbly.
"Just to be clear," he said, "I'm not really interested in defending your honor."
"Understood," I managed, hoping I didn't sound too ridiculously breathless. — Leigh Bardugo

Zoya and I gaped at him. Then she scowled. "You know, if you turned a bit of that poetry on me, I might consider giving you a change."
"Who says I want one?"
"I want one!" called Harshaw.
Zoya blew a damp curl from her forehead. "Oncat as a better chance than you."
Harshaw held the little tabby above him. "Why, Oncat," he said. "You rogue. — Leigh Bardugo

Distinguish yourself, my mom had told Alina and me, in an age where girls often make themselves too available to boys, by making him work a little for your attention. He'll think he's won a prize when he gets it, and he'll work that much harder to keep it. Boys turn into men and men put a premium on what's hardest to get. — Karen Marie Moning

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. — Leigh Bardugo

I know what you thought, what you always thought of me.
It's so much easier that way, isn't it? — Leigh Bardugo

I'm sorry," he said at last.
"Don't apologize. For all we know, there is no firebird."
"You don't believe that."
"No, but maybe we weren't meant to find it."
"You don't believe that either." He sighed. "So much for the good soldier."
I winced. "I shouldn't have said that."
"You once put goose droppings in my shoes, Alina. A bad mood I can handle. — Leigh Bardugo

They had each other and there was a love between them that would withstand anything. Alina and I had always intuited, with no small wry pique, that, although our parents adored us and would do anything for us, they loved each other more. As far as I was concerned, that was the way it should be. Kids grow up, move on and find a love of their own. The empty nest shouldn't leave parents grieving. It should leave them ready and excited to get on with living their own adventure, which would, of course, include many visits to children and grandchildren. — Karen Marie Moning

Why waste my anger on you when the fault is mine? I should have anticipated another betrayal from you, one more mad grasp at some kind of childish ideal. But I seem to be a victim of my own wishes where you are concerned." His expression hardened. "What have you come here for, Alina?"
I answered him honestly. "I wanted to see you."
I caught the briefest glimpse of surprise before his face shuttered again. "There are two thrones on that dais. You could see me any time you liked. — Leigh Bardugo

I hope you don't expect fairness from me, Alina. It isn't one of my specialties. — Leigh Bardugo

We are too busy listening to our thoughts that we don't hear the wonderful sounds surrounding us ... — Alina Radoi

The Darkling will hunt you for the rest of your days."
"Then you and I will have something in common, won't we? Besides, I like to have powerful enemies. Makes me feel important."
Mal crossed his arms and considered the privateer. "I can't decide if you're crazy or stupid."
"I have so many good qualities," Sturmhond said. "It can be hard to choose. — Leigh Bardugo