Two men. I had just killed two men. A killing machine, I hadn't even hesitated. Fear and rage settled deep in my chest, forming a layer of ice around my heart.

— Maria V. Snyder

Valet coalesced from the shadows and wrapped me in his long lean arms. I soaked in his musky smell, listening to his heart beat. Strong and steady. No indication that he had been sneaking around.

— Maria V. Snyder

Valet was liquid in motion. As I watched him, one word came to mind: beautiful.

— Maria V. Snyder

We are searching for the same thing,” Stripey said.“How do you know?” Banco asked.“I read his mind.” The Titian pointed to Ari. “Yours was too…chaotic. Too many useless thoughts to wade through.” A compliment or an insult? Banco guessed compliment and preened.

— Maria V. Snyder

We don't take orders from you, Sergeant." Quiet said. "Your man tried to assassin

— Maria V. Snyder

Why did Mother ask you to help me rescue Gels?" I asked Leif." She thought I could assist you in some way. Instead, I had tried to-""Kill me? You can join the 'I Want to Kill Yelena Guild.' I hear they have six members in good standing. Valek is president since he had wanted to kill me twice."--Yelena to Leif

— Maria V. Snyder

With a touch of sarcasm. “Glass is an amazing material. Versatile,

— Maria V. Snyder

Yelena, you've driven me crazy. You've caused me considerable trouble, and I've contemplated ending your life twice since I've known you...but you slipped under my skin, invaded my blood and seized my heart.

— Maria V. Snyder

Yelena, you've driven me crazy. You've caused me considerable trouble, and I've contemplated ending your life twice since I've known you." Valet's warm breath in my ear sent a shiver down my spine." But you’ve slipped under my skin, invaded my blood and seized my heart.”“That sounds more like a poison than a person,” was all I could say. His confession had both shocked and thrilled me.“Exactly,” Valet replied. “You have poisoned me.

— Maria V. Snyder

You can't let the past ruin your future, I changed over in my mind.

— Maria V. Snyder