"Time passed, and these gatherings became more bitter. We yearned to prove that monster blood does not make us

"Time passed, and these gatherings became more bitter. We yearned to prove that monster blood does not make us monsters. We spoke of how we should unite, and enter the great games of Qadiran aristocracy – supporting those who were ready to accept us as equals, and bringing down their opponents. We planned to use me as a cover – 'a beautiful emberkin', who would be the voice of the castaways."