His breath was foul. ‘‘Get the amulet back, or you won’t have a twin to protect.’’

I stared at him in openmouthed horror, but before I could rally a response to his threat, he pushed me away, storming out of the room. Savian reached my side, frowning after Porter. ‘‘Are you all right? I saw him grab you. Are you hurt?’’

‘‘I’m fine,’’ I said, rubbing my arm. ‘‘Just a little confused.’’

He gave me a long, considering look. ‘‘I suspect you’re not the only one in that state. I don’t suppose you’d like to tell me what all that was about?’’

I shook my head and returned to the desk where Tej stood watching with bright, interested eyes. ‘‘Exactly who am I supposed to be calling?’’

The young man looked vaguely surprised. ‘‘You are to make a call. It is the rules.’’

‘‘The rules? What rules?’’

The woman at the desk behind me dropped a couple of sheets of paper on the desk before me. ‘‘Would you mind signing this receipt for your personal effects, Miss Ling? You were unconscious during the sentencing, or I would have had you sign it then.’’

I stared down at a piece of paper listing the items I’d had on my person: wallet, three passports, cell phone, assorted money, cinnamon gum, two keys, and a small golden figurine.

The last object leaped to mind as I hurriedly checked the inner pocket of my bodice. The lumpy gold dragon amulet was gone. I thought it was odd they got that and not the small knife I wore strapped to my ankle, but I wasn’t about to point out their omission.

‘‘Where are my things being kept?’’ I asked the secretary, worried that Porter might have figured out I was bluffing and was even now on the way to get the amulet.

‘‘All effects of prisoners are kept in the vault, naturally,’’ she answered, twitching the paper at me.

‘‘And is the vault secure? I mean, really secure?’’

‘‘It is the L’au-delà vault!’’ she answered indignantly. ‘‘It has not been violated in at least a century.’’

Somewhat relieved, I signed my name where she indicated.

‘‘Convicted persons may petition for the return of those items not deemed to be dangerous,’’ she added.

‘‘Convicted?’’ A headache suddenly blossomed to life. I rubbed my forehead, trying to figure out just what was going on. ‘‘I was convicted?’’

‘‘Oh, yes,’’ the secretary said. ‘‘Earlier, when you were brought before the committee. You were charged, tried, and sentenced, and now if you would just sign these forms as well, I can initiate your transfer to the Akasha.’’