“I thought about the way I felt in Astrid’s presence, the unity. I was a part of something that was larger than myself, a network of shared energy and camaraderie that flowed between the Valkyries.”

“The thought sent a cold chill down my spine, but at the same time, I knew that I’d be able to handle anything Astrid, Loki, or the world could throw at me. After all, I was Hilda Overholt’s granddaughter, and just like her, I was made of pure fire.”

“Need a ride home?""Yes."But she keeps sitting there."Let's go.""You're taking me?""It's a pretty standard way of offering," I say. "I wasn't asking for informational purposes. Fascinating as the answer was.”

“Your sister came after me," Jack says. "Halloway got her riled up or something.""My sister?" Graham repeats. "My sister, Ellie?""No, the sister you keep locked in the attic," I say.”

“Because suddenly I knew that Graham could boss me around only if I let him. No one has power over me unless I surrender it.”

“It’s funny you bring that up,” I said. “In some countries, red hair was considered a sign of witchcraft. They actually burned people at the stake for it. Can you imagine? Just goes to show that a little ignorance can go a long way—if you let it go unchallenged, that is.”

“I didn’t pick this fight, gentlemen. The first move is yours,” Grandmother growled. “And the final one, I assure you, will be mine.”