d, blocking my way, Sophia peeking from behind him. "You've been filling the old man's he

box. "Get that thing o

es tighter. My s

call down every curse my ancestors

old me after I'd scolded a disobedient dog too harshly. "Hurting

s one of balance, of peace. Kay understood that, even as a child. Hi

ded, leaving behind a

nce as weakness,

sneer. "Lost your tongue, holy woman? Or are

, trying to pull the box away. "Give me that. I'll have it

ed but h

e low but clear, cutting through hi

in the air, h

ickered in Ethan's eyes. C

n't let her upset you. She's just trying to make you fe

ust trying to manipulate me. You probably neglected

rom me as if I'd burned him

th this. Don

to his arms, her feigned sob

s voice thick with false tenderness for

had planted for his wife, Ethan's grandmother, just outside

n and shriveled, the leaves drooping a

ing was t