“I'm afraid that whatever I touch is spoilt by the contact.""I'm not scared of being spoiled," Val said.”

“Great. Lookout. I'm a lookout. Another thing to put on my college applications. What do I do if I see someone?"Val looked back. "I'm not sure, actually.”

“I'm afraid my voice is going to break. I am afraid she is going to hear how much this hurts.”

“I'm a powerful being... a wizard," Corny said. "So don't try anything." "Yes," said the little faery, blinking black eyes rapidly. "No. Try nothing.”

“If we have to be cat burglars, I'm going to see what' to steal in the fridge."We're trying to find evidence she's the poisoner. Just a thought before you start putting random things in your mouth." Ruth shrugged and walked past Val.”

“She is crazy. Head to head with an ogre. Loony Lolli, Sketchy Dave, Crazy Val. You're all a bunch of freaks."Val made a formal bow, dipping her head in their direction, and then sat on the blanket.Loony Luis, more likely," Lolli said, kicking her flip-flop in his direction.Luis One-Eye," Dave said.Luis smirked. "Bug-head Dave."Princess Luis," Dave said. "Prince Valiant."Val laughed, thinking of the first time Dave had called her that. "How about Dreaded Dave?"Luis leaned over, grabbing his brother in a headlock, both of them rolling on the cloth, and said, "How about Baby Brother? Baby Brother Dave?"Hey," Lolli said. "What about me? I want to be a princess like Luis.”

“A stray dog, I might understand," she said. "But this? You are too softhearted."No, Mabry," Ravus said. "I am not." He looked in Val's direction. "I think she wants to die."Maybe you can help her after all," Mabry said. "You're good at helping people die.”