***

LuandMoxihadbeensofocusedonprovidingforReya''''''''smaterialhattheyhadfottentowarnheraboutthedangersoftheworld.

Thesilverringgleamedasthemansmirked.

Asahomicidecaptain,Luhadgiventlesssafetylectures,yetitneveroccurredtohimtogiveooReya.

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

Shewasjusttoowell-behaved.Unshakableinthefaceoftrouble,alwaysfindingherownsolutions.Itmadehimpt.

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

Theifouryearsago,whenshewaseen,hadtaughtherthatwell.

Shewasnotjustanymonster.Shewasasuccubus.

Thediscoverywasthrilling,thoughtheprocesswasfarfrompleasant.

Hedidn''''''

Fouryearsago

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

Theywerehandsome,dressedinexpehes,polishedinmannersandfriendlysmiles.Booksalwayssaidvilinswereugly,whileprinceswerevishandcharming.

Thencameherfirstperiod.

"Whatareyoudoing?"sheasked.

"Takingyousomewherefun."

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

Sowhewomenpulledoverandcalledouttoher,askingfordires,Reyafeltnoarm.

Atfirst,shethoughtshewasjustahumanwithpeculiarabilities.

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