Book 2: Chapter 82

I watch as Vivica’s tongue slides across her front teeth with her mouth closed, considering how to answer. She never takes her eyes off of me, trying to gauge my temperament. The women sitting behind her whisper quietly to each other, looking nervous.

“It was a mistake,” she finally clears her throat and says very matter-of-factly, “We have a lamp called the harbinger lamp. Mother lights it when