" meant us,” she whispered. “I destroyed us.” His fingers tightened against her cheek. “I’m not destroyed.” Her breath stopped. “I’m scarred.” He withdrew his hand and closed it carefully into a fist at his side. Again it slid in search of a pocket, but found none in which to bury itself. “I’m battered. But I’m still standing, Kai. "

― Laura Florand , Snow-Kissed (Snow Queen, #1)