“He was gargoyle. Tonight, his mate would learn exactly what that meant.”

“. . . parent could embarrass their kids during the teenage years, but only a true virtuoso could embarrass them into their twenties and beyond.”

“We get chased by orcs, I’m tripping you and running the other direction.”

“Jack Miller aimed his shotgun at the monster’s grey-skinned head and pulled the trigger. Green sludge and bits of bone and flesh splattered through the air to land on the street, the gory aftermath releasing a noxious, sulfurous odor.”

“One thing this night taught her beyond all doubt - all males were lunkheads, all of them. She recognized that protect the poor helpless girl and don’t worry her little wee head tone. “I’m not stupid. I’m not going to run into a situation I have no business being in to show no one can boss me around. I’m not a warrior and tonight made that clear in large neon signage. But I deserve to know about events that concern me and help make the decisions on how to handle them.”

“The Oracle handed her a small, leather bound booklet, about as thick as a pamphlet, and said, “You are a teacher, yes?”It was nice of the Oracle to phrase things in the form of a question and let people feel they were imparting information. “Yes, I am.”“Excellent. I know teachers value learning, and this book has very valuable information on gargoyles. If Terak remains part of your life, this you’ll want to know.”Larissa weighed it in her hand. “This is a very light history.”The Oracle arched one fine brow. “Why would I bother with that? This, my dear, is about how gargoyles mate.”

“There are eight known Realms beyond this one. It's mixed what you find on them, but a couple of them, the phrase hell on earth couldn't be more fitting. They're a necromancer's wet dream.”

“How many did she kill?”“Dozens, my Lord, until her sword was dull with the blood of her enemies.”Reign stroked the edge of the dagger with his forefinger until a drop of blood was drawn. The blood absorbed into the blade. “Only that? I will see her bathed in blood before me.”

“This woman was consuming him, bit by bit. She was becoming the reason and the reward of his existence, and if he did not shield himself, everything he did not have to give would belong to her.”

“You are sweet to be so concerned over my love life, but I’ve decided only to date guys who have bigger swords than me.”

“Laire, get back here! You do not drink before we meet with our mortal enemy.”