“Sometimes a flame must level a forest to ash before new growth can begin. I believe Wonderland needed a scouring.”

“Do you really think these are Alice's tears?" I ask. "That I'm supposed to make them go away somehow?""I'm the wrong guy to ask. I just saw a skeleton with antlers and a forest of aphid-noshing flower zombies.”

“I need to get to that tea party and wake up the guests."Jeb looks at me. "And how are you supposed to do that? Give a magical kiss to the half-baked hatmaker?”

“You can put me down now," I grump."I don't know. It's a lot easier to save your ass when I have it riding on my shoulder.”

“I've been collecting bugs since I was ten; it's the only way I can stop their whispers. Sticking a pin through the gut of an insect shuts it up pretty quick.”

“Then she (Gossamer) turns to Jeb. "Elfin knight, do you wish for pleasure on your quest? I can provide it, if you so desire."Rubbing his labret with his thumb, Jeb glances at me, adorably bewildered. "Um. No thanks. I'm good.”

“I'm going to fall in love with an artist. And we'll have two kids and live in the country. A quiet life, so we can hear our muses and answer when they call. Tipping up my chin to meet his gaze, he gives me a tender, starlit smile—one that melts my insides. "I like your version better.”