The Final Empire

think given the choice between loving Mare—betrayal included—and never knowing her, I’d choose love. I risked, and I lost, but the risk was still worth it.

I am Lord Elend. Lady Valette Renoux, might I have the pleasure of sharing this balcony with you whilst I read?”

New tastes are like new ideas, young man—the older you get, the more difficult they are for you to stomach.”

“You don’t stop loving someone just because they hurt you,” he said. “It would certainly make things easier if you did.”

Don’t leave,” she whispered. “Don’t you leave me too.”
“I’m sorry,” he said. “But I have to go meet with my friends. It was . . . fun.”
And he left.

“If you’re always on time, it implies that you never have anything better you should be doing.

I am growing so very tired.

Couldn’t he see that reading was hardly as practical a skill as being able to handle a dagger or use Allomancy?

In the end, I worry that my arrogance shall destroy us all.

The right belief is like a good cloak, I think. If it fits you well, it keeps you warm and safe. The wrong fit, however, can suffocate.”