I mean, when the world comes for your children, with the knives out, it's your job to stand in the way.

There's only room for one hero in this story-and everyone knows the devil doesn't get to be the good guy.

Was there any human urge more pitiful-or more intense- than wanting another chance at something?

The mad sometimes drilled holes in their own heads to let the demons out. To relieve the pressure of thoughts they could no longer bear. Jude understood the impulse. Each beat of his heart was a fresh and staggering blow felt in the nerves behind his eyes and in his temples. Punishing evidence of life.

I am; I was. I want to be.

Aren't you going to tell me I'm not so bad? she asked. Mmm-no. I was thinking how every man loves a hot girl with a history of making mistakes. Because it's always possible she'll make one with you.

I'll take the shooting. I'm used to that. I've been shot a few times in the past, and I guess I can stand it, again.