"Her fear poured into me though our psychic bond, but there was something else too: her complete faith that I would take care of everything, that we would be safe" (Chapter 1, p. 9).

"The class engulfed me, and I found myself laughing and seeing those I'd nearly forgotten about" (Chapter 3, p. 24).

"As I'd just been reminded, feeders were vampire-bite addicts. We accepted that as part of life but still looked down on them for it" (Chapter 5, p. 46).

"Sharp and biting, terror exploded in my body and in my head. Small razors of pain" (Chapter 7, p. 67).

"His face darkened, his eyes grew hard. To most people, he might have appeared scary and intimidating, but as Lissa studied and admired his features, he suddenly seemed very, very vulnerable" (Chapter 9, p. 78).

"I briefly contemplated and then dismissed any attempts at jumping into the aisle and tackling the queen" (Chapter 11, p. 101).

"I only...