“You’re the one who’s stunning,” Calla said. Wrapping her arms around my waist, she peered over my shoulder to stare at our reflections in the mirror. “How did I get so lucky to have you for a sister?” she asked. “Beautiful, inside and out.”

I rested my head against Calla’s. “I’m the lucky one.”

We broke apart when a scratching sound caught our attention. A piece of paper had been pushed under our bedroom door. It sailed across the hardwood floor, coming to rest against the toe of my shoe. After I bent to pick it up, I read the slanting calligraphy.

“What is it?” Calla asked.

“I think it’s some kind of program,” I said, reading the flyer.

Calla moved to stand beside me, then pointed to the bottom of the page. The last line on the agenda had just one word.

Joining.

She took the paper from me, and sat at her dressing table. It seemed she was memorizing the entire schedule. I felt a stab of guilt, knowing she had not only been duped by Haden, but also by me. I regretted staying here for so long, but there was no other way. I had to play along, put myself into a situation that gave me an audience with the Elders.

I knew nothing about Haden. And as much as Calla believed otherwise, neither did she. Calla had fallen for her One, just like all the other girls had. They didn’t know the true nature of their husbands-to-be or how their lives were about to change. I made a silent promise to Calla then. One day, I’d get her out of Judaculla.

Until James and I were able to leave, I’d have to keep a close eye on her. Maybe James was friends with Haden. If so, he’d be able to find out if she was all right. When things calmed down and it was safe for us to leave Judaculla, I’d keep my promise to protect her. After all, wasn’t that what sisters were supposed to do?

Before any of that could happen, I had to get my hands on the Bound Book. I reached behind my neck to unfasten the eyehook at the top of the zipper, and an idea formed in my mind. Gripping the eyehook, I pulled hard and was rewarded with a tearing sound.

“Darn,” I said. “The hook is broken.” I held the tiny piece up for Calla to inspect.

“That’ll never do,” she said. “Everything has to be perfect tonight.”

I unzipped my gown and stepped out of it. “I’ll just run it down to the alterations room. They can fix it right up.”

“But it’s almost our turn to get our nails retouched,” Calla said, putting on a pout.

“I’ll meet up with you there,” I said, wondering why she’d become so clingy.