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I wouldn’t cry in front of Zania I closed es

"You are ill?" Zania asked fro I could stand

"Soetoverwhelmed by all the pain," I explained

Zania stared down at est creature she’d ever seen I wanted her to think I was strong and worthy of aligning herself with, but I felt weak I fumbled for the tissues Zania pulled out two sheets and handed the at aze searched n of falsehood or insincerity as I blew ht," she said

"We tried But that guy worked fast"

Zania peered at the floor and let her hair fall, blocking her face Her hand shook

"You held me like a mother," she said

"I was glad to be there for you" I gave her my warmest heartfelt look "I have to leave today I wish I could stay or take you with ood news and I hope when the tiht you’ll be an ally"

"How can a woman like me help? I do not bother with self-control as you do Look"--she held out a shaking hand--"even now I tremble for the poison my body craves And it helps me face my tasks It numbs the hatred"

I closed et yourself killed if you keep drinking"

"I do not care"

"But I do" I grabbed her hands in mine and spoke with all the earnest conviction in irls the Dukes will have in future generations Girls ill groithout the love of a e that, Zania! I don’t kno, but I know it can happen in our lifetime We need you All I ask is that you keep yourself alive and be ready Please"

I felt her hands shaking in mine Her eyes et

"I need a drink," she said in a sh followed from far in her throat

"No," I choked out I couldn’t very well send her to rehab or stay by her side to nurse her through detox What I was asking her to do was nearly is are possible," I whispered, just as ed She was breathing hard, clinging to ht before

"My sister," I murmured "You can do it"

Fall