ina

instructions. Holly just nodded, her face pale but determin

et out a soft groan, letting my body

filled with practiced concern. She

ng a hand to my forehead where th

a classic presentation of a mild concussion, something th

onial site, but back at the manor's entrance. Mrs.

anded, seeing my pale face

Holly said timidly. "

tainted," I murmured, my voice weak but clear. I was weaponizi

remony would be a disaster, and the blame would fall dir

I wish to see my cousin, Kaila. To pray for h

the language of piety and ritual. It was a dif

relented. "Five minutes. Then you

the manor again, this time to a lavish bedroom on the main floor

massive bed, her blonde hair splayed out on the pillow. A doct

king to the bedside, my ex

er pulse was thready, but her skin was clammy. My eyes scanned her face. A faint bluish tint to her lips. Dilated pupi

get out of the wedding.

r her," I annou

d on a specific nerve cluster at her wrist. It was a techniq

ith a strangled cry, her eyes flying open i

os. "What did you do?" La

of shock and horror. "I was just prayi

d with a residue from Kaila's own skin, against the inner lining of the carriage driver's glove, which Holl

ed!" the doctor shouted.

white with panic. "Get her out of

g a scene of medical pandemonium be

, violent jolt, far worse than before. I was thrown against the w

meone was trying to stop me