" His words have the finality of true authority. Reflexively, Emiko starts to bow, acquiescing to his wishes. She stops short. You are not a dog, she reminds herself. You are not a servant. Service has gotten you abandoned amongst demons in a city of divine beings. If you act like a servant, you will die like a dog.

She straightens. "So sorry, I must go north, Raleigh-san. Soon. How much would it cost? I will earn it."

"You're like a goddamn cheshire." Raleigh stands suddenly. "You just keep coming back to pick over the dead. "

― Paolo Bacigalupi , The Windup Girl