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

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

***

Theywerehandsome,dressedinexpehes,polishedinmannersandfriendlysmiles.Booksalwayssaidvilinswereugly,whileprinceswerevishandcharming.

"Takingyousomewherefun."

Thediscoverywasthrilling,thoughtheprocesswasfarfrompleasant.

Atfirst,shethoughtshewasjustahumanwithpeculiarabilities.

Theifouryearsago,whenshewaseen,hadtaughtherthatwell.

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

Thencameherfirstperiod.

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

Fouryearsago

LuandMoxihadbeensofocusedonprovidingforReya''''''''smaterialhattheyhadfottentowarnheraboutthedangersoftheworld.

Thesilverringgleamedasthemansmirked.

Hedidn''''''

Asahomicidecaptain,Luhadgiventlesssafetylectures,yetitneveroccurredtohimtogiveooReya.

Sowhewomenpulledoverandcalledouttoher,askingfordires,Reyafeltnoarm.

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

"Whatareyoudoing?"sheasked.

Shewasnotjustanymonster.Shewasasuccubus.

Shewasjusttoowell-behaved.Unshakableinthefaceoftrouble,alwaysfindingherownsolutions.Itmadehimpt.