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

Theifouryearsago,whenshewaseen,hadtaughtherthatwell.

Shewasjusttoowell-behaved.Unshakableinthefaceoftrouble,alwaysfindingherownsolutions.Itmadehimpt.

Theywerehandsome,dressedinexpehes,polishedinmannersandfriendlysmiles.Booksalwayssaidvilinswereugly,whileprinceswerevishandcharming.

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

LuandMoxihadbeensofocusedonprovidingforReya''''''''smaterialhattheyhadfottentowarnheraboutthedangersoftheworld.

Thediscoverywasthrilling,thoughtheprocesswasfarfrompleasant.

Thesilverringgleamedasthemansmirked.

"Takingyousomewherefun."

"Whatareyoudoing?"sheasked.

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

Asahomicidecaptain,Luhadgiventlesssafetylectures,yetitneveroccurredtohimtogiveooReya.

Fouryearsago

***

Thencameherfirstperiod.

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

Shewasnotjustanymonster.Shewasasuccubus.

Hedidn''''''

Atfirst,shethoughtshewasjustahumanwithpeculiarabilities.

Sowhewomenpulledoverandcalledouttoher,askingfordires,Reyafeltnoarm.

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