Leela had the strongest urge to run to Sera’s orange mother, to tell her everything and see if maybe she would believe her daughter was alive when Kandra would not. But she could only follow the High Priestess as she crossed the room in sweeping strides, novices and orange mothers scattering in her wake. Acolyte Endaria was hurrying across the chancel, the look on her face leaving Leela in no doubt that the news had already reached her.

“Her purple mother has been informed,” the High Priestess said without preamble. “Send Novices Belladon and Loonir to her dwelling to tell her other mothers.”

Acolyte Endaria pressed a hand to her chest and looked at Leela with confusion and pity. “Why would you break such a sacred rule, my child?” she asked.

Leela tried to appear contrite. “I . . .”

“She is young, Endaria,” the High Priestess said, sweet sympathy in her voice, but it was too honeyed for Leela’s liking. “And still grieving the loss of her friend. You remember how it was to be young and curious and sad.”

Leela could not picture Acolyte Endaria as ever being any of those things, but the acolyte nodded fervently.

“Imima has prepared the chamber of penitence,” she said.

“Excellent. The conclave will convene tomorrow at the hour of the serpent.”

“Yes, High Priestess,” Acolyte Endaria said, bowing her head.

The High Priestess turned to Leela and fixed her with a gaze so penetrating, Leela felt as if her skin was being peeled off. She forced herself to remain still, to take courage in the memory of Sera’s heartbeat and the knowledge that her friend was out there and needed her, refusing in this moment to show either true fear or fake humility. The High Priestess had lies on her side—Leela had love and truth. She could feel her love for Sera shimmering in every facet of her blood. For one thrilling, weightless moment, Leela had the sense that the High Priestess was afraid of her.

Then the High Priestess’s lips twitched as if she wanted to smile and Leela felt her heart crumble into a pile of hot ashes.

“We all make mistakes, Leela,” she said. “We all challenge authority in some way when we are young. Do not despair. You will grow from this lesson and become an even better Cerulean than you were before. I am certain of it.”

“You will,” Acolyte Endaria echoed. “Now come with me. I will take you to the chamber of penitence, where you shall stay the night.”