The inducted Brethren nodded, and the people responsible for their friends laid a comforting hand on their arms. Daisy tried to share a moment with Grace, but her head was tilted back, eyes closed. She appeared to be snoring.

Taking a sip of her own herbal tea, Daisy breathed in the calming scent of jasmine and chamomile, enjoying the warmth rolling down her throat and into her tummy, a satisfying glow spreading out from her center and relaxing her mind.

Jasper was still talking, explaining the structure of Zoise, the concept of sharing, and the pursuit of worldly peace.

“So we start the session by forming a semicircle around the lectern, get comfy, there’s beanbags and tea—no, take as many cookies as you want. No guest of the Brethren leaves here hungry . . .” Jasper was gently guiding everyone to sit. Pretty, vulnerable girls and pretty, vulnerable boys swooned a little as the tea and cookies dismantled their inhibitions, and they felt comfortable enough to let their eyes linger a little longer than strictly necessary on Jasper’s offhand smile and soft auburn curls.

Elise passed the bowl around, each person putting their phone inside.

“The world will turn without me,” Daisy said, intoning the chant as she put her phone in. It was a shame that phones were forbidden from these sessions—a photo of Jasper would be a persuasive argument in recruiting Esther.

He was standing now by the lectern, the belt he would be awarding hanging around his neck, giving the impression of a rakish society gentleman returning home in the early hours of the morning. With a thrill, Daisy noticed it was cyan, the first belt of achievement, and she wondered who it was for.

“As always, before the Ceremony of Sharing, Zoise opens the door to those of us who have opened ourselves to Zoise.” He smiled then, self-deprecating, taking the weight of the words he was saying lightly, inviting everyone in on the joke. “Step forward please, Sister Daisy.”

“Me?” Daisy’s heart fluttered up into her throat as she took a tentative step forward. “But I’ve yet to master the Nodding Dog . . .”

Jasper waved her closer, and Daisy’s feet seemed to have decided this was where she was going. The tea had worked its magic, and the world was turning fuzzy.

“No one works harder on their yoga moves than you, Daisy. Zoise thanks you for your efforts, and for bringing unto us Sister Grace.” Who was asleep in the corner. As family members went, she wasn’t particularly active. “You are now a Cyan Sister.”

The others applauded as Jasper carefully threaded Daisy’s new bright blue belt through the loops of her gown. Overwhelmed by so much attention, Daisy gazed down at her toes. She’d let Esther paint her toes a few weeks ago, and they were still mostly a pretty pearly pink.