"You never learned from Mother's mistakes, did you, little monster? The sea will outlast the mountains." Mattie smiled. "When you took Mother down eight people saw enough to be able to warn Mother. None of them did because Mother was hard and no one was going to she'd a tear for her. And if any had you'd have failed."

"Softness isn't weakness, little monster. It's the skin and fat over muscle and bone. And that's what you need when times are hard." Mattie smiled. "And yes, I enjoy watching her squirming and want to see you let go of control. It's doing you good."