“Monsters have the worst taste in women.”

“So, what you're saying," Dad says, "is that when you've been telling your mother and me that you are studying at a friend's, you've actually been roaming the streets hunting monsters.""No, not always," I say. "Most of the time I was at Gretchen's loft, studying. Training.""Gretchen's loft?" Mom echoes. "That's where you were last night?"My cheeks burn. "No, I was in Greer's basement.""Gretchen's loft blew up," Greer offers.”

“How do you expect to do that?",I asked,"Do you have some sort of get-out-of-Hades-free card?”

“You're not seriously going?" Troy asks."Of course I'm going," I say. "What other choice do I have?""Um...not going.”

“Troy, I have to find out what happened to my dad.""We know what happened to your dad. He got smoted. End of story.”

“We believe in you, Phoebe," Stella says. "You just have to believe in yourself."I roll my eyes behind the blindfold. As if that's not a cheesy, movie-of-the-week line.”

“Sound doesn't carry as well through gills. You have to use a different level of your vocal chords." I point to the spot just above his Adam's apple. "Higher."He just stares at me, looking confused——but breathing like he was born to it."Pretend you're talking like a girl."No way, he mouths, shaking his head.Stupid male ego.”