I have no idea how much time had gone by since Tej had deposited me back in my airless, barren cell of a room. For that matter, I had no concept of how much time had passed while I was in the shadow world— evidently enough to conduct a trial, although why no one bothered to bring me around during that was a question I very much wanted to ask. I suspected the answer would not be complimentary.

Time did pass, enough that Tej brought me a plate of food for which I had no appetite. Since my room had no windows, I couldn’t even tell if it was day or night. I considered slipping back into the shadow world, but I knew that was no solution to my problem.

By my best guess, about four hours later, the door to my room was suddenly opened. I’d curled up on my side, figuring I might as well rest in case the opportunity to escape presented itself, and I looked up with surprise at the person who was shoved into the room.

‘‘—know who I am? I’m a naiad, you idiot! A member of the Sisterhood of Hydriades! You can’t arrest me!’’

The door slammed shut behind Cyrene.

‘‘What on earth did you do?’’ I asked, getting to my feet as she pounded on the door.

‘‘Shhh,’’ she said over her shoulder, before turning back to the door and yelling, ‘‘I demand to speak to the committee! You can’t treat me this way! I’m a water elemental! I have rights!’’

‘‘Cy?’’

She gave the door one last slam of her fist before turning a delighted face upon me. ‘‘This is fabulous! I’m sorry, Mayling, you know I love you dearly, but this is ever so much more fun than hiding in a tree watching in case of intruders. I sounded very convincing, didn’t I? I knew I should have stayed in Hollywood after you were created, but Magoth was being so unpleasant, and . . . well, you know. But this! I’m a natural at this, don’t you think?’’

I leaned back against the wall, my arms crossed over my chest. ‘‘I take it you have some sort of plan going? Something that calls for you to be arrested?’’

‘‘There, now, you see? I told Drake you’d grasp the gist of things right away, but he had his doubts.’’

‘‘Drake?’’ I straightened up. ‘‘Is Gabriel with him? Did he get my message?’’

‘‘Of course he got your message. That’s why I’m here. Is there no chair?’’ she asked, frowning around the empty room.

‘‘No. I hate to let down the team and all, but what exactly are you doing here? Is Gabriel going to be able to get me out of being sent to the Akasha? Is he going to appeal the conviction?’’