The girl settled on the couch, watching us with cautious eyes. She knew what Denazen was. I could tell from the slight twitch in her eyebrow when I’d mentioned it on the steps. Body language could give you more answers than actual conversation if you just knew what to look for. “We came here to warn you,” Dez said, sitting down on the chair across from the girl. I stood to her right. “You are Kiernan, right?” “Maybe,” was her only response. Careful not to get too close, I pointed to her wrist. A thin silver chain with a shiny plate in the middle had a single word etched into the finish. “Kiernan. Your name is right there.” A grin split her lips as she raised her hand and gave the bracelet a jiggle. “Well, I guess the saying isn’t true. Not all the pretty ones are stupid, huh, pal?” “Kale,” I said, annoyed. “My name is Kale.” I’d been referred to as a number for most of my life. I had a name. I wanted it used. “I’ll get right to it,” Dez said, leaning across to the table between them.
