How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Sadima heard Somiss's door open, and Franklin set her down. He stepped away from her as they both turned. She glanced at him. He reached to push his hair off his brow, then wiped his lips on the back of his hand, and she realized how afraid he was of Somiss finding out that they cared for each other. (31.32)
Sadima hasn't realized yet how twisted Somiss is, but Franklin knows it. And he fears (rightfully so) Somiss finding out that Franklin and Sadima care for each other. Heck, even if Somiss finds out that their connection goes one way, this could still be bad news. Somiss will definitely use that sort of information to his advantage.
Quote #8
Maybe if I could talk them into helping, if we all hid food everywhere, we could get away with it. I could talk to them and… When? Where? The food hall wasn't safe, and I had no idea where their rooms were. I felt a clammy sweat rise on my forehead. Was that why the wizards separated us? Was that why there was always one to walk us to class—and never the same one? S***. The academy was old. They had gotten very good at this. (38.10)
Hahp finally realizes just how manipulative the wizards are. In related news, he also realizes how screwed he is. How do you fight a system that's been in place for decades or centuries, and has been designed to turn boys into heartless magic machines? Where would you even begin?
Quote #9
"Please, Franklin?"
He looked into her eyes. "If I tell you, he will hurt you."
She leaned closer. "And he told me that if I left, you would be sorry, that he would see to it. Can't you see what he's doing?" (55.17-19)
Sadima and Franklin realize that they're stuck: if one of them doesn't follow Somiss's orders, Somiss will hurt the other one. That's a really shady way of manipulating someone. Franklin's used to putting up with it, though, while Sadima isn't. Sure her dad was borderline abusive, but it's not like he forced her to do morally repellant things. Somiss is a whole new type of coercive.