“I’m not certain what I notice first, the bright flickering light that illuminates the darkness underneath my eyelids, or the shrill screams that pull me form the dredges of sleep. Either way, I’m awake. And afraid.”

“I’m just trying to wake up - I’m so afraid of sleeping all my life and then dying - I want to wake up first. I wouldn’t care if it was just for an hour, as long as I was properly alive and awake…”

“I sleep with the lights on now. Not because I’m afraid of the dark, but because I like to keep the night as far away as I can.”

“I wanted to apologize but what could I say? I’m sorry but I’m afraid my fangs might freak you out. Oh and by the way my eyes sort of glow in the dark when I get excited. I hope you’re cool with that.”

“You musn’t be afraid of the dark.’‘I’m not,’ said Shadow. ‘I’m afraid of the people in the dark.”

“No, Blake, I trust you. I’d be honored to have an escort to my Escort. I’m a little afraid of the dark.” Livia tucked a lock of brown hair behind her ear.“I’m not afraid of the dark at all, so this way, milady, to your chariot.” Blake held out an elbow, formally.”