Page 69 of The Spider Queen

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I rolled my eyes.

I have an idea,he suggested.

Go on.

Do you have a hairband?

I think so.

I went into the bathroom and searched through the miscellaneous drawer next to the sink. I pushed aside bobby pins, small tubes of sample lip glosses, hair accessories I wore once every few years but refused to get rid of, and found one of Anita’s old elastic headbands she used when she went running. I headed back into the bedroom and held it up to show Thane.

Put it on.

When it was settled on my head, Thane’s legs quivered and then he launched himself at me, landing on top of the headband.

“Gah!” I yelled. “You can’t do shit like that!”

I mentally heard him purr as he settled himself.Sorry. Couldn’t help it. Okay, look in the mirror.

I nearly yelled again. “I can’t go out like this.”

Why not?

“Because it’s not Halloween. And I don’t normally dress like Morticia Addams!”

Not Morticia—you’re more Lily Munster.

Thane sat on top of the headband, perfectly still. I looked like I was wearing a costume.

“Nope. Sorry. Not playing this game.”

I’m not riding in a bag. I never want to feel trapped again.

His bleak yet forceful tone had me pausing.How long were in you the cube, Thane?

Like always, when there was a question he didn’t want to answer, he fell silent.

Thane and I compromised. I wore my backpack, and he sat himself on the curve of the strap that fell to my side. It was the best I could do—I still had my limits, even if I was going insane.

Where are we going first?Thane asked.

Um…I don’t know? The Battery?

What’s the Battery?

It’s the promenade at the end of the peninsula. On a clear day you can see Fort Sumter.

Maybe. What else is there to see?

We could take a carriage ride tour of the city and see all the old antebellum houses. Get some history, hear some stories. Might be fun. I’ve never done it. Anita left me her car, so we could drive out to one of the plantations. I’ve never done that either.

How long have you lived in Charleston?

Three years.

What have you seen, Poppy?

I thought about it before answering.The campus. The bars.

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