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Rasha kept her head bowed even after her friends were brought to the temple. She finished her prayer to the Universal and tucked her amulet back under her shirt. She’d been released. Her parents had sent word through the guard. She and her friends were free to leave if they chose. Rasha stood without turning, keeping her face to the eye of the Universal. She felt Jak behind her. She wasn’t sure how she knew it was him. Maybe it was all the nights of him tracking them. She’d gotten used to his stealth.
“Where are the others?” she asked.
“They’re talking somewhere.” Jak let his voice fade. He looked around, taking in the temple.
Rasha turned and faced him. “I wanted to explain why I didn’t say anything about all this before.” She gestured at the castle. Her fingers trembled, so she lo
