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Alone, I pulled the ring out of my pocket and rolled it in my hands The temptation to put it on, and to finally have a power of my own called to me But I’d seen too clearly what it had done to Cassava, how she’d hurt those she’d been charged with caring for

"What do I do with it?"

There was no answer, no one I would trust with this weapon I startled and realized that hat it was--a weapon

A dangerous, addictive weapon that was far too powerful for any one person I needed a place to hide it, to put it away fro tis as if I were ten years old again before a suitable hiding place carin slipped over my lips It was perfect, and no one would ever think to look there

I stood, brushed off my clothes and headed to the inner Riht fell, but that was fine I could do that The darkness of the night was nothing to fear, nothing at all coain," I whispered, tightening oddess, let that be true

Chapter 24

The gala being held was over the top, an affair to reinnings, and clean slates Though the lung burrowers killed aleneral populace survived Everyone was being told Cassava had been killed A lie that would be shattered the eance

But for now, they were happy, and htly around the waist and she s with happiness No reason she shouldn’t be, he’d just asked her to marry him in front of everyone Of course, she said yes, and the people were excited A wedding was a huge affair in the Ri field No different than any other time, I wasn’t invited, despite Fern’s protests to the contrary She’d even had a gown , a deep golden tone that matched my hair and eyes While she was far from perfect, she would make a far better queen than Cassava And I’d told her that She teared up, hugging e his mind, you are the best of his children"

That had been the other reason I refused to attend, even though she’d fought forin the Spiral They claimed Cassava had twisted their minds, just like everyone else But those were lies I saw through with ease

I would not be fooled by them, even if my father and others were Cassava wasn’t done, and I had no doubt she would work through her three oldest children to bring her plans about

So, as it was, I sat, crouched on the rooftop of the nearest house, watching Making sure no one stepped out of line

Protecting theh ht me useless The irony was not lost on me