“Leave her alone,” Kansas repeated from behind the tall, thin man in the black robes. The Minister crouched down and reached for my chin. He gripped me tightly, forcing me to look at him. His piercing blue eyes, jet-black hair, and pale skin made for a startling creature. A monster. “One of the Mothers informed me you have begun to bleed. Is that true?” I gulped; my throat dry and scratchy. He reached for the towel I was still clutching and raised it, showing both Kansas and me the blood that stained it.
