Karla just shook her head, shrinking back away from 'Dite's touch. "No, I'm not," she whispered. "My parents barely had time for me even when they were alive. My uncle wants me dead or worse. If my own blood doesn't want me, why should anyone else? Everyone who says they love me lies!"

Before the oubliette, she'd dreamed of Warren coming to free her. He'd said he'd loved her, too. And where was he? Not here, that was for damn sure.

Dite was probably here out of obligation. Or because she needed help in the store on Mondays. Either of those was easier to believe.