“Where is your partner?” Sinna asked, stopping her cold. “As you are a new Guardian, I’m guessing Cintra would’ve paired you with someone with considerable experience. Hmm, Corrette maybe? No, she doesn’t have the patience to instruct a young Guardian. Novarros? No, that old codger has too many years under his belt for such a calling. Ah, that leaves Shim then. Yes, the snakeman would be the perfect choice to tutor a newly promoted Guardian. Kind, gentle, but stern when necessary. Where is that hooded viper, anyway? I’d love to say a friendly hello. I hope nothing unfortunate has befallen him, leaving his keen-eyed partner all alone to deal with this nightdemon matter on her own?”

“Shim is just fine,” Soraya said, not turning as she feared her expression more than her voice would give away her lie. Though she was all but certain the woman would be able to hear the quaver in her voice. “In fact, he’s awaiting my return, so I really should be on my way.”

“And the nightdemon? Also known as Miss Seela Sky, right? You’re probably out here wandering Lostwood to clear your head after what you were forced to do. The first kill is always the hardest, even if it’s the right thing. Even if it saves lives in the long run. How did you do it? Using your Ability? Or was it an up-close-and-personal kill? Say a dagger to the heart?” Soraya’s entire body had stiffened while the woman had spoken, not only because of how much she already seemed to know, but because of how close her guess had landed to the mark. And also because Soraya had failed to do exactly what she’d described.

She turned slowly. “Seela isn’t dead yet. Unlike you, I’d rather first seek a more peaceful solution.”

She turned to leave once more, heart battering itself about in her chest. “Ah, you’ve developed a fondness for the woman then. And if she’s not dead yet, then that means Shim really is incapacitated—hopefully not dead, is he? that would be a pity—because the snakeman would’ve put the ratwoman out of her misery without a thought. You, on the other hand, are clearly a young woman of conscience and intellect, taking a…less violent…approach, hm?”

“As I already said, Forsworn business is no longer under your purview.” She started to walk away, praying to Narcissi that Sinna had nothing left to offer, a prayer that unfortunately went unanswered.

“It’s good that you’ve trusted your instincts. Don’t ever stop doing that, for they will serve you well. No matter what anyone tells you, even Cintra, you’re doing what you feel is right, and there is power in that. But don’t forget, there is also power in godsblood. More power than anyone, myself included, will ever be able to fathom. Good luck, Soraya, Guardian of the Forsworn. I shall be praying for your success in restoring Seela Sky to the person she once was.”