He doesn’t tell Dave why he hides his food under the futon, behind mixing equipment, inside the bricks of his desk. Why his swords are two steps from where he sleeps, and why he’s trained himself to cat nap in three hour intervals of insomniac nervousness.

No one in their right minds would ever expect it of him, and that’s why he’s the one best-suited to the job.

The first time Dr. Rodriguez uses the words emotional abuse and manipulation and controlling boyfriend, Bella freezes. The second time she runs away. The third time she stays, and breathes, and listens. Bella Swan, embracing humanity one year at a time for a decade.

Madame Yu has always been irredeemably stubborn. You think a little thing like being taken captive by the Wen sect after they invaded her home, destroyed her husband's golden core, and sent her children fleeing to the winds is going to stop her?

Wen Ning began to go, then hesitated. “Do you need medical assistance, Sect Leader Nie? I know a little…” “Wen Qionglin.” “…yes?” “Take the child and go.” (an unexpected encounter in the aftermath of the Sun Palace)