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"I killed Reyad to stop hi others But I still didn’t feel better inside I had to rediscoverof myself as a victim"

Valek rested his hands on my shoulders and squeezed "Then you’re the best one to talk to her Let me knohen I can trust her"

"Just like that?"

"Yes"

"I don’t have ?"

"You won’t"

When I arrived at Valek’s office for the afternoon , I paused at the threshold A few unexpected people sat around his conference table At least Valek had taken the tione far Tall piles of books and files wobbled on the floor nearby

Valek and Maren stood by his desk near the back wall By their intense expressions and whispered conversation, I guessed he was having his heart-to-heart with her about her involvement with Owen

Janco wavedhad less sleep than I Sitting between Janco and Onora, I glanced across the table Another nize sat opposite leaht brown eyes

I elbowed Janco in the ribs

"Ouch What Oh Yelena, this is Sergeant Grunt Grunt, this is Liaison Yelena, the Soulfinder and Valek’s heartnore him We find that’s best for all concerned" We shook hands "What is your real naeant Gerik, sir"

The sir was a nice touch I turned to Janco "Where’s Ari?"

"He’s--"

"Aunt Yelena!" Reeet knocked back into"I’ve ht "Can’tbreathe"

Releasing hed "That’s my necklace-snake move I clamp on and squeeze until the person passes out Do you like it?"

"It’s very effective"

She beaht me She said since I’m small, o"

"Death by hug I love it," Janco said

"Which explains why no one wants to date you," Onora ed retort, I asked Reema, "Lacole? Hand to hand?"