Home > Work > A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, #1)
121 " What’s the truth in the story about vampires not being allowed inside without an invitation?” Having pressed him on his diet, I focused on the entrance protocols.“Humans are with us all the time. They just refuse to acknowledge our existence because we don’t make sense in their limited world. Once they allow us in—see us for who we really are—then we’re in to stay, just as someone you’ve invited into your home can be hard to get rid of. They can’t ignore us anymore.”“So it’s like the stories of sunlight,” I said slowly. “It’s not that you can’t be in sunlight, but when you are, it’s harder for humans to ignore you. Rather than admit that you’re walking among them, humans tell themselves you can’t survive the light. "
― Deborah Harkness , A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, #1)
122 " If the thirsty stag runs to the brook, it's only because he isn't aware of the cruel bow...If the unicorn runs to its chaste nest, it's only because he doesn't see the noose prepared for him. "
123 " Everytime I pick up a book or a document from the past, I’m in a battle with people who lived hundreds of years ago. They have their secrets and obsessions— all the things they won’t or can’t reveal. "
124 " I promise not to draw blood, if you promise not to weep. "
125 " Matthew feels deeply. It is a blessing as well as a burden to love so much that you can hurt so badly when love is gone. "
126 " how we spoke about magic and with whom we discussed it. Humans outnumbered us and found our power frightening, my mother explained, and fear was the strongest force on earth. "
127 " Adrenaline poisoning,’ one of my doctors had called these surges of anxiety that had troubled me since childhood. The doctors explained that, for reasons they could not understand, my body seemed to think it was in a constant state of danger. One of the specialists my aunt consulted explained earnestly that it was a biochemical leftover from hunter-gatherer days. I’d be all right so long as I rid my bloodstream of the adrenaline load "
128 " heart. “You’re not lost. I found you. "
129 " The daemon glanced at his watch. The day was young, but he already knew why his friend was in Scotland. Matthew Clairmont was falling in love. "
130 " It smells like the past. But not the dead past. It's so alive. "
131 " Tabitha strutted into the house through the cat door. With a look of complete devotion, she dropped a tiny, dead field mouse at Matthew’s feet.“Merci, ma petite,” Matthew said gravely. “Unfortunately, I am not hungry at present.” Tabitha yowled in frustration and hauled her offering off to the corner, where she punished it by batting it between her paws for failing to please Matthew. "
132 " The question of why you're here-how we're all here- really does consume you," I said slowly...Matthew studied his wine. "It's the only question worth asking. "
133 " It showed a tiny baby girl floating in a clear glass vessel. The baby held a silver rose in one hand, a golden rose in the other. On its feet were tiny wings, and drops of red liquid showered down on the baby’s long black hair. Underneath the image was a label written in thick black ink indicating that it was a depiction of the philosophical child—an allegorical representation of a crucial step in creating the philosopher’s stone, the chemical substance that promised to make its owner healthy, wealthy, and wise. The colors were luminous and strikingly well preserved. Artists had once mixed crushed stone and gems into their paints to produce such powerful colors. And the image itself had been drawn by someone with real artistic skill. I had to sit on my hands to keep them from trying to learn more from a touch here and there. "
134 " So that’s it?” I asked when I could manage it. “We’re going to abide by an ancient, narrow-minded agreement made almost a thousand years ago. Case closed. "
135 " the air had that magically still quality common in autumn. The whole world felt crisp and bright, and time seemed suspended. "
136 " Daemons are brilliant, but we’re not vicious—not like the vampires. "
137 " The strongest distinguishing characteristic of humans is their power of denial. I have strength and long life, you have supernatural abilities, daemons have awe-inspiring creativity. Humans can convince themselves up is down and black is white. It’s their special gift. "
138 " A note in Sarah’s dark, decisive handwriting was taped to the staircase’s newel post. “Out. Thought the house needed some time alone with you first. Move slowly. Matthew can stay in Em’s old room. Your room is ready.” There was a postscript, in Em’s rounder scrawl. “Both of you use your parents’ room. "
139 " I am capable of opening my own door,” I said, getting out of the car. “Why do today’s women think it’s important to open a door themselves?” he said sharply. "
140 " Friends tell each other the truth, even when it’s difficult. "