Temra and I share a look before the priestess continues. “At first, the world mistook magic as a blessing from Ebanarra, but all too quickly it became clear that it was a curse. Our own city had the worst of it. Here in Thersa, there was one born with the ability to control the minds of others. Magic came from the land, and the Goddesses formed the first woman from the dust of this world. We are of the land, and so this magic user could control the people around him. Craynd was his name. He used his ability to control this city. To make all people do his bidding. We were enslaved. All newcomers became captive to his spells. We were unable to even pray to our Goddesses for aid, as we were incapable of recognizing our own enslavement. His rule lasted until he died, an old man of eighty-seven. Only then were we freed. This was some five centuries ago.

“Then came the rightful time of the illegalization of magic and the extermination of those who were sickened with it. The world cleansed itself of this blight by any means necessary. The bloodlines bearing it were wiped out. And the world was made whole once more.

“On occasion, a latent line of magic will bear a new magic user, and when this happens, it is our duty to stamp it out. To keep the healthy peoples of the world safe.”

The priestess turns her attention right on me in the first row and smiles. “We are so happy to have you join us in our divine duty to this world.”

I swallow in the silence that follows. Petrik gives me the side eye, while Temra reaches out to clasp my hand in hers.

“What a lovely reminder of our history,” Volanna says as we walk back to the estate. “Did you enjoy yourselves, dears?”

“Yes,” Temra lies. “Though I was surprised by the bit about magic in the sermon. We’ve never heard such an account. Do you really put all magic users to death?” Her question is phrased innocently enough, but I still worry that Volanna will see right through it.

“Magic played such a horrible role in our city’s history. We can’t risk it happening again. Those with magic aren’t really human. They’re something else entirely. Such executions are just and necessary.” She nods to emphasize her point.

That answers that question: If I’m discovered, they’ll kill me, family or not.

“Did my Darren not teach you such things?” Volanna asks.

“We were too young when he passed to remember, Grandmother,” Temra lies. Obviously Father didn’t have a bias against magic if he married Mother. I think I can guess why he left Thersa without any trace. “We have a lovely chapel back home, but it is nothing compared to Thersa’s,” she adds, changing the subject. “Your priestess seems most wise and capable.”

Volanna grins. “Thank you, and do not worry over the newness of Thersa. You will understand such truths soon enough. Now, let’s head home and we’ll have a nice luncheon with the family. We’ll discuss the sermon further over food.”