“I’m really unclear, and she was spouting explanations for how we could have crossed dimensions on the plane.” Kerrigan shrugged. “I didn’t follow. Regardless, she agreed to teach me so that I don’t die.”

Helly looked skeptical. “That’s awfully convenient. Are you sure that you can trust her?”

“Not particularly, but what other choice do I have? There hasn’t been a spiritcaster here in a thousand years, Helly. Zina disappeared as soon as we got started, and she isn’t her mother. I’m not progressing, and my magic is poisoning me. If this teacher can help, then it’s worth a try.”

Helly sighed. “Let’s try for a controlled environment at least. Allow me to be there when you go under, so I can keep you stable.”

Kerrigan glanced down and back up. “There’s only one problem. I’m no longer welcome here.”

Helly sank onto the bed next to her. “That trial was a sham. It was circus performers bellowing out fears and propaganda. Before you fled, I was planning to appeal the decision. Nothing is ever final unless the vote is unanimous, and it was far from that.”

“Oh,” Kerrigan said sheepishly. “I didn’t know that.”

“I gathered that by your quick escape. How did you even get out?” Helly asked.

Kerrigan buttoned her lips. “I’ll never tell.”

“Well, Lorian is furious. I filed the appeal, but the council left for spring holiday. Lorian was lucky that no one had left yet or else I could have called for a mistrial. They likely won’t all be back until the spring Season event. The mountain is shockingly empty. Which is to our benefit. No one wondered where I was the last couple days, except Lorian when he found out about the appeal.” She shook her head. “Regardless, we need to work together from now on. If you want to get back in the council’s good graces and back into the Society, we need a plan. There’s no guarantee, but…”

She was cut off by a sudden rush of feet at the door. Fordham and Clover dashed inside. Fordham took one look at Kerrigan, crossed the room, and fell to his knees before her. He took her hands carefully in his own and looked up at her as if she were a vision.

“You made it.”

“Thanks to you.”

He pressed a kiss to her hand. “I feared we were going to lose you.”

Clover cleared her throat. “Not to interrupt, but there’s someone else at the door.”

Helly’s brows furrowed, and she stepped out of the bedroom. “Zina!”

Kerrigan tossed the covers off of her.

“What are you doing?” Fordham demanded.

“I haven’t seen Zina since the Night of the Dead. No news whatsoever. I need to speak with her.” She straightened up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Fordham asked.