I am black,” she said, and a shudder rippled through me. “I am foul with a thousand years of demon curses. Don’t cross me or I will bring you and your house down. Rachel is the only clean thing I have, and you won’t sully her to further your high ideas.

If he betrays you, I will finish what I started with his fingers," he said, and I shivered. "Tell him that.

Rachel, my itchy witch," Al said as he tugged the lace at his cuffs. "We've talked about this. You simply must stop collecting nasty little men. How many do you really need, love?

What are you?" I rasped. It smiled. "Whatever scares you.

I’m your worst nightmare come to walk this side of the lines. I’m an elf, Trent something you’re forgotten how to be. You’re scared of black magic. I can see fear shimmering under your aura like sweat. I live and breathe black magic. I’m so tainted with it that I will use it without thought, without guilt and without hesitation.

I sighed. "And what am I to you, Al?" "My maid," he said brightly. "Shall we do this?

I can think of a lot of things to do," he said, "and none of them involve standing up. - Al