How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
The Reeds of the world—why did they always feel sorry later? Why couldn't they be sorry while there was still something to do about it? All this guy had to do was to keep his mouth shut—just shut up and be still!—right now. All Reed had to do was nothing. (21.63)
As Kiriel deals with one bully, he thinks about all the bullies he's seen come through hell. It occurs to him that regret is something that happens after the fact, and that's a problem. Kiriel tries to get Reed to feel that same guilt during the bullying so he won't have to pay for it later.