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She had a month before she had to find out.

ISOLATION IS THEenemy of humanity. Loneliness a threat to empathy.

Perhaps this is how the gumiho grew up with hate in her heart. She had not yet taken on the name of Gu Yena. But what she called herself is inconsequential here.

Shunned by her family, she lived alone in a cottage high in the mountains. She fed on the energy of wayward travelers and planned how she would seek revenge on humanity.

As Seoul grew around the mountains that held shrines and temples, the city crept up the mountainsides.

One day she met a man. He had sharp eyes and rough hands. And he made her feel more beautiful than a thousand suitors confessing their love.

He made her regret her solitary lifestyle. He made her icy heart warm.

With him, she allowed herself to dream of a life free of the hatred she’d harbored for hundreds of years.

But for her, love meant uncertainty.

She’d lived for centuries and had learned that humans were not to be trusted with her secret. They would fear her or, worse, use it to manipulate her.

So she lied to the man about what she was. She considered it a small price to pay for love.

But love and lies do not mix well.

53

MIYOUNG HATED HOSPITALS.The ill and the dying seeped gi like a crack in a dam. And right now the temptation to take a taste was too great.

She kept her head lowered and walked down the hall, her footsteps a quick staccato.

“What are you doing here?”

Miyoung winced at the hard voice and lifted her eyes to meet Somin’s.

“I’m—” She broke off, unsure what was better, the truth or a lie. Somin’s eyes bore into her like she was waiting for Miyoung to reveal some nefarious plan.

“I asked her to come,” Jihoon said, walking up the hallway. “And you’re late.” He directed this statement to Miyoung.

“Why would you have her come here?” Somin asked.

“Somin-ah,you’rethe one who told me to call her.”

Miyoung raised her brows in surprise.

The other girl cast a furious look at Jihoon and said in a harsh whisper, “I said tocallher for closure.”

“I came back on my own,” Miyoung said, annoyed at being talked about like she wasn’t right there.

“Well, then, you can leave on your own. You’ve done it before.” Somin gave Miyoung a hard glare.

“Somin-ah, it’s getting late,” Jihoon said.

“So?” The girl crossed her arms stubbornly.

“I’m fine,” Jihoon said. “You said I needed closure. Let me get it on my own terms.”

This seemed to break through Somin’s stubbornness. “Call me if you need me.”

“Always.” Jihoon gave her a hug, and even though Miyoung knew better, she felt jealousy stab through her at the easy affection between the two friends.