LuandMoxihadbeensofocusedonprovidingforReya''''''''smaterialhattheyhadfottentowarnheraboutthedangersoftheworld.

Asahomicidecaptain,Luhadgiventlesssafetylectures,yetitneveroccurredtohimtogiveooReya.

Shewasnotjustanymonster.Shewasasuccubus.

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

***

Sowhewomenpulledoverandcalledouttoher,askingfordires,Reyafeltnoarm.

Shewasjusttoowell-behaved.Unshakableinthefaceoftrouble,alwaysfindingherownsolutions.Itmadehimpt.

Fouryearsago

Thediscoverywasthrilling,thoughtheprocesswasfarfrompleasant.

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

Theywerehandsome,dressedinexpehes,polishedinmannersandfriendlysmiles.Booksalwayssaidvilinswereugly,whileprinceswerevishandcharming.

"Takingyousomewherefun."

Thesilverringgleamedasthemansmirked.

Thencameherfirstperiod.

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

"Whatareyoudoing?"sheasked.

Hedidn''''''

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

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

Theifouryearsago,whenshewaseen,hadtaughtherthatwell.

Atfirst,shethoughtshewasjustahumanwithpeculiarabilities.