The High Priestess’s smile was a sharp, jagged thing. “What do you know about right and wrong?” she said. “You have lived such a sheltered life. I have made it that way. It is because of me that this City survives. You could not begin to comprehend the sacrifices I have made to keep it strong and healthy, to keep it protected from the hungry darkness of space and the cruel dangers of the planets.”

“This City is meant to move,” Leela insisted. “And Cerulean are meant to go down onto the planets. It is just as Sera always thought. Is that why you chose her? To silence her?”

“I chose her because her magic was the strongest I have sensed in a century,” the High Priestess said. Then she sniffed the air. “But yours is strong as well. In a different way, a way that I have not seen in even longer. You remind me of Wyllin.”

“I’m not Wyllin,” Leela said. “If she even was your friend, as you claim. You cannot keep stealing Cerulean magic.” She glanced around at the icy circles beneath her and with a start realized a new circle had been added. One whose markings on its surface read Plenna. The High Priestess followed her gaze.

“It had to be done,” she said, and for a moment she almost sounded sad. “Her magic is so much stronger because of the pregnancy. I needed it. The City needs it.”

Leela glowered, her stomach twisting with disgust. “I won’t let you imprison anyone else ever again. We deserve to be free.”

“Freedom comes at a price, Leela, and a far higher one than I’m certain you are willing to pay.” The High Priestess’s voice grew silky. “If you come back to the temple with me, I can tell you all. Secrets of your magic that would open your mind and make you melt with joy. I can show you power that will stun you, power that will thrill and entice. It’s wonderful, Leela. Like nothing you have ever felt or will ever feel again.” Her eyes glowed with enticement. “I will let you return to your mothers and your dwelling if you wish. Or”—her voice turned as cold as the columns around them—“you may become another victim of the sleeping sickness. Tragic in one so young, but Plenna is young too. Young magic is always strongest.” She swept a hand out at the circles dotting the ground. “So that is your choice, Leela. It is up for you to decide which path you will take.”

Leela dared not look down lest she lose her nerve. “I know what path I will take,” she said. “And it is not one you have offered me.”

The High Priestess seemed amused. “And what other path is there?”