“Tessa touched his wrist lightly with her hand. "Be brave," she said. "It's not a duck, is it?”

“Tessa touched her hand to his cheek. “You’re strong, brave, protective -” “So is a Doberman.”

“You sound as if you don't mind what happens to it," said Tessa. "Won't you miss it here? This place has been your home."His fingers stroked her wrist lightly, making her shiver."You are home for me now.”

“He looked at her curiously. He did something that surprised her then, and took her hand, turning it over. She looked down at it, at her bitten fingernails, the still-healing scratches along the backs of her fingers.He kissed the back of it, just a light touch of his mouth, and his hair-as soft and light as silk-brushed her wrist as he lowered his head. She felt a shock go through her, strong enough to startle her, and she stood speechless as he straightened, his mouth curving into a smile."Mizpah," he said.She blinked at him, a little dazed. "What?""A sort or goodbye without saying goodbye," he said.”

“My skin's too white." she said.Says who, Snow White?" he said, touching her cheek lightly with one hand.”

“I am stronger when Tessa is here, you see. I told it to you," said Jem, still in the same soft voice.At that, Will did duck his head so that Tessa could not see his eyes. "I see it," he said.”