How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
There stood a walking pile of cruelty, guilt, insecurity, and childishness. (16.13)
As Kiriel wants to stop Reed from bullying people, he realizes that it's not just up to him. Sure, he can give the guy a lecture on it, but what will that change? Inevitably, these things get in the way. Only Reed can help himself, which bums Kiriel out.
Quote #8
"You may think, because you have friends, that you are liked. But teenagers are notoriously insecure, and for the most part your 'friends' must know that you could turn on them on a dime. On a dime," I said again, liking the sound of it. "Yes, you could turn on them on a dime." (16.35)
Way to lay it on thick. Kiriel tells Reed this as a way of encouraging him not to bully people anymore. Too bad it doesn't work. The Reeds of the world (read: bullies) don't respond to logic. In fact, they're acting out because they are insecure about themselves a lot of the time.
Quote #9
It was odd that she wouldn't look at me. I didn't want her to be uncomfortable. I wanted to please her. "I think you're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen," I told her, taking the first step she'd outlined in her diary. (18.54)
Classic move, right? Pretending to need help with homework when really he's just trying to get close to Lane is the oldest trick in the book. All Kiriel really wants to study is her. Dealing with crushes and girl drama is a big part of coming of age, as Kiriel quickly finds out.