Don’t worry about paying me. Stay alive, child. You must save yourself. And, whatever you do, don’t forget who you are

You killed me.” My voice was unsteady. He held me close again. “I brought you back.” “Please tell me we only have to do that once.” He whispered against my ear, “I swear I won’t kill you again. Cross my heart and hope to die.” It was a bad joke

I felt absolutely nothing, and that frightened me even more than the darkness of oblivion

I wrapped my arms around my body, pushing away my doubts and indecision for just a moment, and looked out toward the cemetery. “Whatever it takes,” I vowed. And as I said the words, I felt a chill run across my neck and a ghostly touch slide down my cheek