Marie Lu

June," Day murmurs. I feel a strange warmth at the sound of my name on his lips.

He returns my smile. His teeth are beautiful, the loveliest I've seen so far on these streets.

I certainly don't understand all these strange new feelings inside me--am I here because I love him, or because I owe him?

I've never thought of describing her beauty as delicate, because delicate just isn't a word that fits June... but here, now that she's sick, I realize just how fragile she can be.

I find myself pausing to admire her face.For a brief moment, I'm lost to my surroundings.

Stay safe. I want to see you again when all this is done.

Day, the champion of the people, the one who can't bear to see those around him suffer on his behalf, who would gladly give his life for those he loves.

I'd forgotten that a boy from the streets is no match for the future Princeps.

I want to fall into the purity that is Day, soaking in his simple honesty, his heart that sits open and beating on his sleeve.

Day, the boy from the streets with nothing except the clothes on his back and the earnestness in his eyes, owns my heart.

Goodnight, June.

Someone's going to be very pleased to see you.""I don't think the Elector will be as excited as you think.""I wasn't talking about the Elector."My heart jumps at that.

Money is the most important thing in the world, you know. Money can buy you happiness, and I don't care what anyone else thinks.

The Republic's most wanted criminal is just a boy, sitting before me, suddenly vulnerable, laying all his weaknesses out for me to see.

I'm so sorry. I am so sorry for everything.

The Republic is weak and broken." I narrow my eyes. "But it is still your country. Fight for it. This is your home, not theirs.

You led the soldiers right to my family's door. You're the reason they're dead.

As you can see, I keep my word,_ I call to the rest of the crowd. __o not take advantage of my generosity, and I will not take advantage of your weakness.