“Why me?” Cinder asks in a low, self-conscious voice. It’s not the question of a woman who does not value her own worth enough to be picked in a crowd. It’s the complaint of someone who wishes I hadn’t singled her out. “I wanted a dance with the mystery woman.” Then I lower my voice conspiratorially. “It will drive the rest of them crazy, not knowing who you are.” “If they find out a human has snuck in…” There is a slight waver in her voice. Fear. “I’ll be—” “No one will touch you while I’m with you.” A hard edge entered my voice before I could check it, but I meant it. No one will do her any
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