“I'd grown to trust Mr. Bradshaw, even though he was the one who had taught me how to lie. Not to mention the day he lectured me on how to get close to someone to find out the truth about them, as if he was the ultimate expert. Nevertheless, I trusted him. I really did.” TrustLies Book:Tess Embers Source: Tess Embers
“I ran, and I just kept running. I wasn’t going to stop until I got back to my family; I wasn’t going to stop until I got home.” HomeFamilyRun Book:Tess Embers Source: Tess Embers
“Waiting. That’s always what being a spy comes down to, isn’t it?” WaitingSpies Book:Tess Embers Source: Tess Embers
“I felt my eyes widen slightly, feeling like the kid of the group who didn’t understand anything and was a pain to have around.” AloneFrustrationMisunderstood Book:Tess Embers Source: Tess Embers
“Mr. Bradshaw was, in a way, my second father. I trusted him and wanted to make him proud. But that day, as I lowered myself to the ground in shock, it was hard to believe I was staring up at the same person.” TrustBetrayalSecond Father Book:Tess Embers Source: Tess Embers
“Honestly, I’m sorry you have no more power over me, but I’m not scared of you anymore. It’s just not worth my time.” Bravery Book:Tess Embers Source: Tess Embers
“That was the problem with training to be a spy and developing your senses to the point that I had. Now, I was constantly alert -- even when I wanted to relax, I couldn’t. I was always waiting for someone to jump out and attack me.” SensesSpyAlert Book:Tess Embers Source: Tess Embers
“Paige claimed my toothbrush!” I complained to no one in particular. “I forgot to pack my own,” Paige replied defensively, “not that I have one. I haven’t brushed my teeth in months, Tess, I ran away, remember? So I deserve it.” “You could use mine,” Jayden called, only half sarcastic. “What makes you think that has any potential to be a solution? And just because we’re dating now doesn’t mean there’s no such thing as germs!” I called back.” BoyfriendGermsSolution Book:Tess Embers Source: Tess Embers
“Are you okay?” someone asked. “I’m fine,” I snapped, turning to face Jayden Griffin. “I have to admit, you’re getting better at lying, Tess Embers,” he said quietly. “However, I know you’re not okay.” RomanceLyingNot Okay Book:Tess Embers Source: Tess Embers
“Suddenly, power filled me. I swear I’d never felt so happy and overwhelmed with pure bliss in my entire life. I didn’t feel tired at all. I felt like I could run forever. Like I could fly, or lift one thousand pounds. Like I could rule the world... I jerked back, tearing my gaze away from the Didot and stumbling into Jayden’s arms. “Ms. Embers?” Mr. Bradshaw’s eyebrows made a ‘v.’ “Is something wrong?” “It -- it was amazing, but...” “But what? Don’t you like it?” “I don’t want to rule the world.” Mr. Bradshaw smiled at me and shook his head. “You’ll never stop impressing me, Tess.” Rule The WorldFake HappinessDidot Book:Tess Embers Source: Tess Embers
“I know you’re hurting, Taylor, but grief is clouding your judgement and you need to stay focused. If you attack her now, you won’t win. You know she has the advantage, Taylor. I’ve taught you this. Please, we just need to get out of here.” DeathHurtGreifClouding Judgement Book:Tess Embers Source: Tess Embers