Meira didn't hesitate, rushing forward to hug our grandmother. Yup, hug her. I found myself gaping as I fell in step beside Dad while the tall and imposing Ruler hugged my sister back.

I kept going to the place of wondering if she wasn't such a monster after all. Either that or she was just really good at manipulation.

I was betting on the latter.

Grandmother smiled at me as I stopped a few feet away, Dad at my side, Sassafras still in my arms. It seemed like a ...