“You were first-string running back last year. What happened?” – Coach “Stone’s mouth happened. It needed to be closed, and I was a little too obliging to shut it.” – Nick”

“What happens if I try to run?” I ask as the doors close. (jace)“I’ll stop you.” (charlie)“You don’t look too quick.” (jace)“You’d be surprised.” (charlie) “I hate surprises.” (jace)“Then don’t run. (charlie)”

“Shut up, Nick. (Talon)'Shut up, Nick, heel, sit, fetch.’ Love you too, Celt. (Nick)”

“My demon ate them. (Nick)What happened to the jocks? (Acheron)Riiiight. And I suppose the Big Bad Wolf will be coming in right behind you to finish up? Or is it the Gingerbread Man I need to fear? (Nick)”

“Take her home."Nick fake salutes. "Sir,yes sir.""Sarcasm doesn't become you,Colt," Coach Walsh says,but he smiles when he says it, so obviously he is only mad at me,not superboy Nick Colt,beloved of coaches everywhere. If I were a guy he would let me run tomorrow.”

“This is what happens: somebody—girl usually—got a free spirit, doesn't get on too good with her parents. These kids, they're like tied-down helium balloons. They strain against the string and strain against it, and then something happens, and that string gets cut, and they just float away. And maybe you never see the balloon again . . . Or maybe three or four years from now, or three or four days from now, the prevailing winds take the balloon back home . . . But listen, kid, that string gets cut all the time.”