“It was good to know that when swords failed, simple girl tactics always worked - even on monsters.”

“I thrashed against him, but I couldn’t free my arms. Ipounded my knee into his groin. His eyes bulged and heroared in pain, releasing me. It was good to know that whenswords failed, simple girl tactics always worked—even onmonsters.”

“She is so lovely she could kill you without you even noticing it. A monster girl who knows when to kiss and when to kill.”

“Sometimes the monsters are not monsters, she says. I know. I nod. And sometimes the monsters are within us all, even in those we think are most good.”

“Oh," the girl said, shaking her head. "Don't be so simple. People adore monsters. They fill their songs and stories with them. They define themselves in relation to them. You know what a monster is, young shade? Power. Power and choice. Monsters make choices. Monsters shape the world. Monsters force us to become stronger, smarter, better. They sift the weak from the strong and provide a forge for the steeling of souls. Even as we curse monsters, we admire them. Seek to become them, in some ways." Her eyes became distant. "There are far, far worse things to be than a monster.”

“The Secret tactic of a good hard bargainer is know when to compromise.For instance.I will demand a puppy if I am forced to move to Fiji.But I will settle for a bunny.”