No matter what they say, or how much they lie to themselves, people don’t want the truth. They want the story already living inside them, buried deep as marrow in the bone.
-- Tamsin (Part I: Two of Swords: 1)

Importance: This quote establishes the theme of denial and Tamsin’s own pessimistic view. After Nash’s disappearance - which Tamsin sees as a terrible betrayal - Tamsin has become very jaded with the world. Her tarot card readings depend on understanding the hope that people want. The truth is much more painful and something that Tamsin believes everyone wants to avoid. While this might be true, it is actually a better representation of Tamsin’s own struggles. Holding onto any hope is nearly impossible for her; a viewpoint she will have to confront as the novel progresses if her character is going to change.

The truth was, Nash hadn’t just forced both of us into this...
-- Tamsin (Part I: Two of Swords: 1)