Time resumed. Time had a way of doing that. - Seanan McGuire

Quests were a lot like dogs, Cora thought. They were much more attractive when seen from a distance, and not barking in the middle of the night or pooping all over the house. She had been there for every terrible, wearying, bone-breaking moment of this quest, and it held no magic for her. She knew it too well.

Hope is a vicious beast. It sinks in its claws and it doesn’t let go.

The nameless girl stared at Cora. “You’re insane.”
“Probably,” said Cora placidly. “Sticks and stones, as the sages say; sticks and stones. I know what I am and I’m happy this way, and saying something true shouldn’t be an insult, ever, because that’s not how words want to work.”