“A woman is who she is, not what she looks like.”

“There's nothing worse than misplaced optimism.”

“Regin slapped her knees. “Oh, my gods, look at him running like his life depended on catching us.” She slid open the door. “Is this straight outta Platoon, or what? Willem!” she cried, holding out one hand. “Run, Willem!” Then she choked on her laughter.”

“The woman didn't taste bad, but she tasted wrong. She smelled good, but it wasn't right.”

“He covered her face with a pillow and lay on it. She got half a breath before he crushed her, and she thrashed like hell but in that second she knew it was foolish.”

“My leg hurts, I wonder if it's cancer? There's a bump. I'm starting to sweat. Stop sweating. I've got to stop sweating.Can she see it dripping down my forehead? She looked at my hair line. She thinks I'm bald.”

“She looked as if she were a vampire about to check the time—with a sundial.”