Quotes from book
The Castle of Dark

Name: The Castle of Dark
Author: Tanith Lee

Although she leads an overprotected life with the two old hags, Lilune knows she possesses a special gift. When she 'calls' the musician, Lir, to her prison-like castle, she knows she must avail herself of the opportunity to escape and explore the world. But travelling south of the castle, Lilune and Lir realize that they aren't alone - for an ancient, infectious evil accompanies them, which instills terror in everyone they meet. Lir dislikes arrogant Lilune, but finds himself intrigued by her and the source of the evil. Is it within Lilune, or does it come from a deeper source? When the pair become separated, he carries on searching for her. Finally, Lilune returns to her castle in despair, believing that she must be imprisoned to protect the world from the evil within her. But Lir follows her, and discovers that the root of the evil lies deep beneath the castle...

“Resist. Come, you’re tough enough, my lady, aren’t you, if you beg for death rather than inflict evil?”

Tanith Lee book The Castle of Dark

Part 4 “The Witch Hunt” (p. 133)
The Castle of Dark (1978)

“She had never acquired in-between shades of character, had not had the opportunity. She had been utterly selfish, and was now selfless, because she had never become a whole person, did not like herself, or know herself. Nor had she ever gained sufficient wisdom to be properly horrified at what she meant to do. She couldn’t think that intensely.”

Tanith Lee book The Castle of Dark

Source: The Castle of Dark (1978), Chapter 17 “Lilune: The Lion” (p. 161)

““What’s Hell?” inquired Wild-Eye. “You should visit before you pass judgement on a place. And have you never heard it said, the Dark One is a gentleman?””

Tanith Lee book The Castle of Dark

Part 4 “The Witch Hunt” (p. 139)
The Castle of Dark (1978)

“Lir chiseled at the stone. It would take a month to make a perceptible impression on it. He had a few hours. Work harder, then.”

Tanith Lee book The Castle of Dark

Source: The Castle of Dark (1978), Chapter 14 “Lir: The Night-Beast” (p. 119)