Before I tell you my story," Jasper said. "you must understand that there are places in our world, Bella, where the life span of the never-aging is measured in weeks, and not centuries.

Forever," Edward echoed in my ear. I couldn't speak anymore. I lifted my head and kissed him with a passion that might possibly set the forest on fire. I wouldn't have noticed.

...humankind's limited scope of mercy was reserved for their own.

If you turned the fabric of our lives over, I imagined the design on the backside would be woven in the bleak grays of doubt and fear.

You don’t have anything like this. For crying out loud, you only own one skirt!

Now and then I see something in her eyes, and I wonder if I’ve ever grasped how much pain she’s really in.

Bella." Edward's voice was right beside me, relieved now. "Can you hear me?" "No," I groaned. "Go away.