“Better stupid and safe that smart and dead.”

“Everything is fine and bright. Day must follow every night. My power keeps me safe from harm. The Goddess holds me in her arms.”

“Over my dead body, I thought. Yes, even immortals use that phrase. It has extra oomph for us.”

“There's beauty and darkness in everything: Sorrow in joy, life in death, throns on the roses. You can't escape pain and torment anymore then you can give up joy and beauty...”

“Please, please be some sex-starved nutcase who wants to kidnap me and make me your love slave, I begged silently.”

“I held a nail in place and slammed it with the hammer. Best. Chore. Ever.”

“I should have known the power-hungry slave drivers at River's Edge would see my five days of freedom only as a challenge to be filled.”