Holly Black: Herring

“She looks honestly upset, but then, I’ve learned that I can’t read her. The problem with a really excellent liar is that you have to just assume they’re always lying.”

“I would remain nearer you for what time there is."

"Gone in one faerie sigh," she quoted.

Leather-clad fingers brushed over her short hair, rested on her cheek. "I can hold my breath.”

“She knew she shouldn't feel that way about a monster, but right then, she wanted nothing more than a monster of her very own.”

“The moment she was cursed, I lost her. Once it wears off- soon- she will be embarrassed to remember things that she said, things she did, things like this. No matter how solid she feels in my arms, she is made of smoke.”

“She thought of something her mother had told her when she'd finally broken up with one of her most dysfunctional boyfriends.”

“Oh- and grab the plastic bag over by my suitcase."
I slug down the last of the coffee and get up. The bag contains panty hose. I put them on her desk.
"They're for you."
"You want me to look homeless, desperate, but also kind of fabulous?”

“Greg stands up, wiping his mouth. "I saw your mother's trial in the paper, Sharpe. I know you're just like her."

"If I was, I would make you beg to blow me," I sneer.”

“I thought you were her knight, but you have become only her woodsman--taking little girls into the forest to cut out their hearts.”

“Instead, it just reminded her that sometimes there were no good choices.”

“It hurts to think of her, but I can't stop. It ought to hurt.

After all, hell is supposed to be hot.”

“I know how to be the witness to her grief. I don't know how to be this kind of villain.”

“As he bent closer, he realized they were words -- words his wife had carved into the cave ice with the last of her dying strength. As he read them, he felt them like three hard blows in the stomach.
KILL THE CHILD”

“She didn't know how much she'd been hoping that he still loved her, until she felt how much it hurt to realize he didn't.”

“There is nothing for her beyond those gates," Gavriel said. "Do you think to bring her along like a talisman to remind you of your humanity? Or do you think sharing your damnation will lighten the burden of it?”

“Gavriel closed his eyes, sooty lashes brushing his cheek. "I'll stay with you."


"What? No," she said automatically. "No! That's crazy."


"I'm crazy," he reminded her.”

“The row of dolls watched her impassively from the bookshelf, their tea party propriety almost certainly offended.”

“Don’t.” She looks directly into my eyes. After a month of being forced to avoid her, I feel stripped bare by her gaze. “You can be as much of a charming bastard as you want, but you’re never going to bullshit your way into my heart again.”