The human mind had a remarkable ability both to discount what it sees and make reality conform to expectation.

Crow paced back and forth, his form flickering like flame. "It's been a thousand years, Alister. I never intended for anyone to find it, so it's very well protected. One little misstep, and you and my line will be history." "Since when are you so concerned about your line?" Han said. Crow stared at him for a long moment. "Since I found out I had one.

He expects nothing, she thought, because he's never had anything. And nothing was expected of him. He was free in a way she never would be.

Which is a sad thing when you're only seventeen.

A fiction writer is never entirely alone. Her characters are constantly whispering in her ear.

I've found it wise to enjoy any time of truce, while recognizing it for what it is. A truce.

Well now, Jack," Hastings said from the sidelines. "I'm afraid you've been beheaded. Not a good start." He sounded amused.