“To know of the existence of evil, true evil that corrupted the world, had forever altered her heart and mind. If she had chosen a different path, she wouldn't have slept another night. Her head would have been restless as she thought only of the horrors that might be creeping outside her door, waiting to rend her flesh. She would not live a life as the hunted; she would be the hunter.”

“He had to clear his throat before he could say, “You know, I always thought it would be cool to have a kid sister.”“Be careful what you wish for.” Adne looked up at him and grinned. “I'm kind of a brat.”Ren laughed.I couldn't help myself. “She's not kidding.”“Thanks, Lily.” Adne glared at me, but she was laughing too. “What do you say we continue trading insults where we're less likely to be in mortal peril?”“She calls you Lily?” Ren was gazing at her, astonished.I groaned. “She does.”“Great minds.” He flashed a wicked smile at me before winking at her.”

“Sabine stood up, satisfied that her friends were safe and content. When she moved, Calla lifted her head. Her eyes focused in Sabine's direction. Despite the distance between them, Sabine Could have sworn Calla was looking right at her. The white wolf's ears flicked back and forth. She lifted her muzzle and howled. The sound filled Sabine with a mixture of sweetness and sorrow. The other wolves joined the song, their familiar voices blending in the winter air. Sabine watched them from another minute, then she turned and walked back to Ethan."Everything okay?" he asked.She handed him the binoculars. "They're happy. So I'm happy." ... She turned, listening to the song carried on the stiff winter breeze. Nev's voice rose about the other wolves' as the chorus of howls wove through the air. Sabine wondered if somehow they knew she was here, and if they might be saying good-bye or if they were asking her to stay.”

“As tiny silver flakes drifted down to settle on our bodies---Both the living and the dead---I thought perhaps the moon had hidden her face from us, as full of sorrow as we were. But she couldn't stop her tears from spilling out in the form of silent snow.”

“Ren sighed, but he nodded. “We're backing her up.”Mason grinned. “She is woman. Hear her roar.”

“Ember pulled his face to hers, kissing him again before she said, “Your strength gives me courage.” He smiled gently. “No, Ember, that is all your strength and none of mine.” She balked, but he kissed her, murmuring against her lips, “And that is why I love you.”

“I'm sorry, An," I said, hesitating before I spoke again. "Why did you think I turned Shay? I mean besides smelling the other wolf in the cave."Ansel raised his gray eyes to meet mine, his irises hard as flint. "Because I would have run away with Bryn if anyone told me I couldn't be with her. If she weren't a Guardian, I would've turned her, and I would've run for the rest of my life to keep her by my side."I looked at him for a long moment and then nodded slowly. He loves her. That's what love is. It must be.”