The Singer

Sari rolled her eyes. “He’s a suspicious old man. The Creator has plans he doesn’t always share with his scribes, no matter what they’d like to think. The folly of men is pride.”

Astrid said, “And the folly of women is resentment, sister.”

“I didn’t ask you, Astrid.”

“I think Malachi said something similar once,” Ava added after a minute of quiet staring between the two. “About Damien being a stubborn old man.”

At that statement, Sari and Astrid exchanged a look that Ava couldn’t decipher. Then Astrid said, “It’s good that he brought you to us. We can begin your training immediately.”

“And what kind of training will that be?”

Ava looked up when they didn’t answer. Astrid looked amused, and Sari’s eyes were glinting.

“A very thorough training,” she said. “My grandmother will enjoy meeting such a mysterious Irina.”

The knot of dread settled in Ava’s belly. “Oh. Goody.”