Atfirst,shethoughtshewasjustahumanwithpeculiarabilities.

Fouryearsago

Thediscoverywasthrilling,thoughtheprocesswasfarfrompleasant.

Theifouryearsago,whenshewaseen,hadtaughtherthatwell.

Shewasjusttoowell-behaved.Unshakableinthefaceoftrouble,alwaysfindingherownsolutions.Itmadehimpt.

Hedidn''''''

Shewasnotjustanymonster.Shewasasuccubus.

Themaninthedriver''''''''sseatstartedthedorderedSilverRing,"Don''''''''tlethertalk.Blindfoldher."

vaimpressivelyfar,aelekinesishadlimits.Shecouldonlymovethingsthatheldnaturalenergy,likethetimeshemadeacrystalspleoffitsbluedispystandinashopwindow.Butacheapgssvase?Shecouldn''''''''tevewobble.

LuandMoxihadbeensofocusedonprovidingforReya''''''''smaterialhattheyhadfottentowarnheraboutthedangersoftheworld.

Thesilverringgleamedasthemansmirked.

Sowhewomenpulledoverandcalledouttoher,askingfordires,Reyafeltnoarm.

Theywerehandsome,dressedinexpehes,polishedinmannersandfriendlysmiles.Booksalwayssaidvilinswereugly,whileprinceswerevishandcharming.

Thatwaswhensherealized—shewasn''''''''thuman.

Shedidn''''''''tknowthatsometimes,uglinessfesteredinside—andthatitcouldhidebehiifulmask.

***

"Takingyousomewherefun."

Asahomicidecaptain,Luhadgiventlesssafetylectures,yetitneveroccurredtohimtogiveooReya.

Thencameherfirstperiod.

"Whatareyoudoing?"sheasked.

Themanwhoyankedherintothecarhadartist''''''''shands.Slenderfingersadorhastrangesilverring.Theycmpedaroundherdelicatewrists,dragginghereffortlesslyintothebackseatbeforeshecouldevenscream.