“Really, Sage? A date?"I sighed. "Yes, Adrian. A date."A real date. Not, like, doing homework together," he added. "I mean like where you go out to a movie or something. And a movie that's not part of a school assignment. Or about something boring.""A real date." I figured I wouldn't give him the specifics on the Shakespheare play."What's the lucky guy's name?""Brayden."There was a pause. "Brayden? That his real name?""Why are you asking if everything's real? You think I'd make any of this up?""No, no," Adrian assured me. "That what's so ynbelievable about it. Is he cute?"I glanced at the clock. It was time for me to meet my study group. "Gee, maybe I should just send you a picture to review?""Yes, please. And a full background check and life history.""I have to go. Why do you care so much anyway?" I finally asked in exasperation.His answer took a long time, which was uncharacteristic.”

“Really, Sage? A date?"I sighed. "Yes, Adrian. A date."A real date. Not, like, doing homework together," he added. "I mean like where you go out to a movie or something. And a movie that's not part of a school assignment. Or about something boring.""A real date." I figured I wouldn't give him the specifics on the Shakespheare play."What's the lucky guy's name?""Brayden."There was a pause. "Brayden? That his real name?""Why are you asking if everything's real? You think I'd make any of this up?""No, no," Adrian assured me. "That what's so ynbelievable about it. Is he cute?"I glanced at the clock. It was time for me to meet my study group. "Gee, maybe I should just send you a picture to review?""Yes, please. And a full background check and life history.""I have to go. Why do you care so much anyway?" I finally asked in exasperation.His answer took a long time, which was uncharacteristic.”

“It does. This is how it should have been anyway.' I caught my breath as he kissed my neck, teeth grating my skin. 'And I'll take back what's mine.”

“Malicious or not, strong leaders always attracted followers”

“Not into older guys, huh?" asked Adrian once we were alone."You're imagining things," I said. "Clearly, my stunning beauty has clouded your mind.”

“Rose was so full of life and passion that sometimes she seemed more human than I was.”

“what's your name?"what?" i asked, squinting at the light.your name." I reconized Dr. Olendzki peering over me.you know my name."I want you to tell me."Rose. Rose Hathaway."Do you know your birthday?"Of course I do. Why are you asking me such stupid things? Did you lose my records?"Dr. Olendzki gave an exasperated sigh and walked off, taking the annoying light with her. "I think she's fine,”

“It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay. You can let go of the sword.""I can’t. I can’t leave him alone. I have to protect him.""You have.”

“There's nothing worse than waiting and not knowing what'll happen to you. Your own imagination can be crueler than any captor.”

“He'd barely seen me coming, and despite the horribleness of what I'd just done, I kind of wished one of my instructors had been there to grade me on such an awesome performance.”

“This isn't a Christmas special! This is my life. In the real world, miracles and goodness just don't happen.”

“Wow. What'd he do to deserve that? Rescue orphans from a burning building? If so, you might want to make sure he didn't set the building on fire in the first place.”