Nature didn't need an operation to be beautiful. It just was.

There was a species of middle pretty who smiled at everything: happy smile, disappointed smile, you're-in-trouble smile.

I spilled more times than a glass of milk on a roller coaster.

Most men's awareness doesn't extend past their dinner plates.

Alek was right behind her now, his body pressing close as he adjusted her sword arm. She hadn't realized this fencing business would be so touchy. He grasped her waist, sending a crackle across her skin. If Alek moved his hands any higher, he might notice what was hidden beneath her careful tailoring. “Always keep sideways to your opponent,” he said, gently turning her. “That way, your chest presents the smallest possible target.” “Aye, the smallest possible target,” Deryn sighed. Her secret was safe, it seemed.

She smiled, turning toward Alek. "You don't know what a friend you have in Dylan.

That was the whole point of being special: You existed to make sure everyone else behaved, but that didn't mean YOU had to.