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He’s even been training Quinn how to defend himself.
    “And, for the icing on the cake,” I continued, grasping at straws, “officially removing me from Quinn’s case, even if only really a technicality, would be viewed as you stripping me of my title—a punishment—which should earn you a few brownie points with all the Shepherds who disapprove of me and the way I’ve managed Quinn’s case thus far.”
    I’d laid all my arguments out on the table and was now left with nothing to do but hold my breath and wait for her response.
    Tara smirked. I could see she knew I was trying to appeal to her political side by pointing out how this arrangement would benefit her. “I can see you have given this quite a bit of thought,” she said.
    “So, what do you say?” I asked hopefully.
    “Are you fully aware of what you are asking?” Tara replied after a minute of silence. “If you’re removed as Quinn’s Shepherd, the change will be permanent. You might be very upset with the position in which you prematurely find yourself.”
    “Yes, I’m aware of that.” I swallowed back my fears that she might be right.
    “All right, then. I will persuade the Order to approve your request.”
    “Thank you.” I exhaled in relief. “I really believe this is our best option.”
    “For all of our sakes, I hope you’re right,” Tara said with a concerned look in her eyes. She forced a smile. “I must admit, you have a talent for discovering, or should I say creating , interesting loopholes.”
    “Only when I believe they’re important.”
    “Eve,” she continued, “I realize you often question the virtue of our traditions, our Rules, and our values, and maybe it is time to revisit some of them. But until that time comes, I feel compelled to remind you that you are under the scrutiny of the other Shepherds, most of whom do not understand what you are doing—nor do they want to. They have neither the desire nor the tolerance for change, and that is what you represent to them. In their eyes, you threaten the very foundation upon which we stand.
    “So my advice to you is to tread carefully around those who are so dearly trying to hold on to our old ways. Try to uphold the Rules and to refrain from ruffling any more feathers. And for the sanctity and preservation of our ways, do not expose who we are to any more humans.” She sighed. “I would also recommend you avoid flaunting the nature of your relationship with your charge around your colleagues.” She glanced at my left hand.
    Yikes! I’d forgotten to take off my engagement ring before coming up here. I immediately removed it and shoved it into my pocket.
    “Oh, um, sorry,” I apologized. “Next time, I’ll remember to take it off first.”
    Tara shook her head slightly. “Well, at least that is a step in the right direction. You will see to it that you are on time for your meeting with Tartuf?”
    “Yes.”
    “Very well.” She paused, as if mulling over whether she should say anything more. “Eve, I fear time is not on your side. It’s important that you figure out how to protect Quinn and yourself sooner rather than later.” There was more than a trace of urgency in Tara’s voice, causing a shiver to run down my spine and my skin to crawl.
* * *
    Dylan and Quinn were laughing when I returned to the Falls. On any other day, I would’ve felt a sense of relief they were actually getting along. But right now, I only felt jealous—jealous of the kinship they’d obviously formed while I was away. Jealous of the inherent bond they would share once Dylan became Quinn’s Shepherd.
    Ignoring my budding envy, I zeroed my gaze in on Dylan. “Tag, you’re it,” I announced as cheerfully as I could.
    “You’re kidding. It was that easy?” Dylan asked in amazement.
    I nodded.
    “What was that easy?” Quinn asked.
    “Dylan’s about to replace me as your Shepherd,” I said triumphantly.
    “ What? Wait a minute!” Dylan exclaimed in alarm. “I thought