- Cheeon: When we're killed, the past is killed. When kids are killed... that's different. When kids are killed, the future dies. There's no life without a future.
- Medora Slone: What did it feel like to shoot that female wolf?
- Russell Core: It felt awful. But... I really had no choice. Even though she'd taken a child, too?
- Medora Slone: Because you think it's the natural order?
- Russell Core: The natural order doesn't warrant revenge. They're not what you think, Mrs. Slone. What happened here is... is very rare.
- Medora Slone: What happened here, happened to me.
- Hunter John: [to Vernon] Your daddy wanted wolf's oil - for you. Do you know that? He said you was "unnatural." That was his word. Unnatural.
- [first lines]
- Medora Slone: [in her letter] Dear Mr. Core, three days ago my son Bailey was taken by wolves. This happened twice already here. No one in the village will hunt them, and I am alone here now. I have read your book. I know you have done this before. In my heart, I know that you are able to do it now. I do not expect you to find my son alive, but you could find the wolf who took him. Come and kill it to help me. I know you have sympathy for this animal. Please don't. My husband will come home from the war soon. I must have something to show him. Sincerely yours, Medora Slone.
- Cheeon: [trapped by policeman] You stopped that phone call for today, guy. Phone call to your wife. But it's coming, ain't it? The call. It's always coming.
- Donald Marium: Mr. Core here, was called by your wife. He's a writer. He studies wolves. He was the last person to see her. He's been a big help to us so far. So, we asked him to be here in case you had any questions.
- Vernon Slone: Can you raise the dead?
- Russell Core: No, sir.
- Vernon Slone: Then I have no questions for you.