“Yes,” came a female voice from behind him. “She is indeed proving herself to be a galloglass with everything she does. I’d put that sword away if I were you, girl. Attacking others is forbidden in this world. But of course you wouldn’t know that, as you do not belong here. But we don’t solve things with violence.”

Effie held her sword aloft, but it was true: She knew that fighting her way out would be the wrong thing to do. With a sigh, she used her magic to dissolve the sword and turn it back into the necklace.

The particles of light fizzed and popped and then went on their way, heading toward the edge of the known universe and the end of time, where all particles of light must eventually go.

“Okay, then,” Effie said. “Well, in that case I’m just going to walk out of here.” She stepped toward the door. “Please let me pass.”

“Excuse me?” said Dr. Wiseacre, with a deep scowl.

“If people here can’t attack other people, then how exactly are you going to stop me?”

Dr. Wiseacre looked like an exasperated teacher dealing with the worst troublemaker in the school.

“For goodness’ sake. Bring her to the consultation room,” she said to the guard. “And take away that necklace.”

Dr. Wiseacre strode off. The guard took Effie by the arm. When she struggled, he held on to her harder.

“Ow!” said Effie.

“Keep still,” snarled the guard.

“How is this not violence?” asked Effie. “You’re forcing me to go somewhere I don’t want to go. I want to see my cousin!”

“And you’ve already been told: Once your cousin knows what you are, she won’t ever want to see you again.”

This had to be a lie. But it hurt Effie, deep inside.

“Give me your necklace,” said the guard.

“No,” said Effie.

“Well then I’ll have to . . .” The guard reached to grab the necklace but didn’t seem to be able to get close enough to touch it. “Ouch!” he said, withdrawing his hand. “That burns. What have you done to it, you disgusting islander? You’re not supposed to have enough magic to make something as hot as that.”

Effie wondered about summoning the sword again, but she sensed that what Dr. Wiseacre had said about this world was right—the part about violence, at least. And Effie herself only used violence as a very last resort anyway. She had read about people vanquishing monsters and demons that were then absorbed back into themselves. She didn’t quite know what this meant exactly, but she knew it wasn’t at all the same as attacking your human enemies, not that magical weapons worked on anyone without M-currency anyway. Still, her necklace was safe for now. It was clear they couldn’t touch it without getting burned.