Book 2: Chapter 82

I watch as Katherine’s tongue slides across her front teeth with her mouth closed, considering how to answer. She never takes her eyes off of me, trying to gauge my temperament. The women sitting behind her whisper quietly to each other, looking nervous.

“It was a mistake,” she finally clears her throat and says very matter-of-factly, “We have a lamp called the harbinger lamp. Mother lights it when there is an imbalance among the Manae that needs to be rectified. She lit the lamp purple, which means we needed to summon you to help with a problem with the Dark. I left this responsibility to Amari and Tessa. Tessa took things in her own hands and, based on past experience, took a forceful route instead of a peaceful one.”

I watch as Amari looks at her hands, avoiding eye contact with me.

“Cora, how were you involved?” I look at her confused, “You were in that room with Tessa.”

“I was summoned as well. To help with you, Kas,” Cora looks at me as if she is asking for forgiveness.

I ca