Lares was sitting beside Healer Ghia during the Birthright Ceremony.

Jules could feel the shock reverberate through the woman sitting in front of him as palpably as if he’d been hit in the face with a shovel.

The absence of a warm body beside her woke Bellica Anala from her after-party slumber.

Seven days was the prescribed time for cleansing.

Molly awoke to the sound of dripping water. It was not the first time.