Redemptor

You don’t get to choose why people love you. But what you do with the love you receive . . . that’s a choice you make every day.

Do not ask how many people you will save,” I murmured: “Ask, to what world will you save them? What makes a world worth surviving in?

Do not confuse guilt with conviction. Guilt is self-centered, and leads only to destructive obsession. But conviction brings balance—a sense of purpose beyond oneself.

I need help," I said. The words echoed in my ears. I blinked, stunned at how natural they sounded. Why hadn't I said them before?

I want to live," I said, replacing Ye Eun's lily behind my ear, "because life is . . . life is worth it. Because as long as we can imagine a better world, we should stick around to see it. Even if it doesn't exist yet. Even if we have to build it from scratch, brick by muddy brick.

B-But . . . what good is a v-voice with no st-story to tell?

Don't worry," I told her. "No matter how bleak the world gets, I'll make sure there's always a corner to plant flowers.

If one person understands another completely—from their deepest pain to their most passing thought—I think they can’t help but love each other. I think . . .” Dayo gave me a small smile and shrugged, crinkling his burn scar. “When you take someone’s story as your own, it’s no different than loving yourself.

Think of memories as books, and the brain as a library. You can only reach the books on the shelves closest to you. But that doesn't mean the other ones aren't there. And the knowledge from each book shapes how you think, even if you don't remember the books themselves.

The more I learn, the more I think the only decent way to use power is to share it with others. Maybe there shouldn’t be rulers—at least, not in the way we think. Maybe emperors—and kings, and queens, and Raybearers—should just be people who make sure power flows to everyone.

The only thing more powerful than a wish is a purpose.

I want to live,” I said, replacing Ye Eun’s lily behind my ear, “because life is . . . is worth it. Because as long as we can imagine a better world, we should stick around to see it. Even if it doesn’t exist yet. Even if we have to build it from scratch, brick by muddy brick.

- What if they start a rumour that I am a witch ? - You’re a woman who rules equally with a man, he said dryly, they will always call you a witch.

What was it you told me Old Mongwe said?" she asked suddenly. "About guilt?" "That it's useless." I sighed, remembering the hermit's opaque words: Guilt is self-centered, and leads only to destructive obsession. But conviction brings balance-a sense of purpose beyond oneself. "And what you said," Kirah pressed. "When you convinced Thaddace to leave that prison?" I blinked in confusion. She gripped my shoulders, hazel eyes alight. "It was important, Tarisai. You said you heard it from someone-someone powerful." I remembered then-the voice from the shrine at Sagimsan, turning my limbs to water as the breath of the Storyteller swelled on the mountain air. "Do not ask how many people you will save," I murmured: "Ask, the what world will you save them? what makes a world worth surviving in?" "That's right." Kirah nodded fervently. "And what made Thaddace keep going-what made him try-it wasn't guilt. It was love." She reached out and squeezed my hand. "It was love, Tarisai.

I think I’d rather be hated as a weakling than loved as a monster.

What good is a voice with no story to tell?

Guilt is self-centered, and leads only to destructive obsession. But conviction brings balance—a sense of purpose beyond oneself.

I clenched my fists. Not all pain was worthless. Sometimes, pain could write a story.

I do care," I told them out loud. "I want justice - for you. For everyone. But I have to find a balance. It isn't enough to pay for past abuses. I have to find a future to live for too.

Have you ever considered that most people weren’t born to save the world? Most of us are lucky just to find a home, a family to protect, and that’s enough. More than enough, even. Sunshine girl . . . everyone can’t care about everything.” “And you think I’m a fool for trying.” “I think,” he said heavily, “that your life should not be a means to an end. No human being should be reduced to a function. The day we do that—it’s the beginning of the end.