“The baker certainly didn’t need to tell me twice. I had no intention of staying to be abused by a crazy old lady.”

“It was a grave tactical error that Astrid had been so focused on collecting boys, when the girls in this town were more than twice as worthy.”

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

“How very bold to cross over into enemy territory,” she said to the man. “Particularly when an old artifact like me doesn’t believe in taking prisoners.” The smile she gave him was wolfish and sure, and reminded me so much of Astrid I took a step back, not entirely sure if I should trust the woman standing in front of me.”

“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.”

“Would you prefer the term pawn?” he said. “I struggle to stay abreast of what’s politically correct.”

“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.”