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"Well," Leesha said "They didn’t seelad to see me"

Jason snorted "What’d you expect?"

"You"That’s the thing about shed She had attitude, he had to ad with fareat aunt," she said "She’s like, half deaf and three-quarters blind That’s how I ended up here before My parents are wizards, but they’re sort of always on the move, you know? And really busy" Her voice trailed off "So Whenever they get busy or I get in trouble, I have to come live with my Aunt Millisandra It’s like the worst punish me to live in the Midwest"

"And is it?"

She shivered "There’s worse things I didn’t actually get kicked out of school this tibranch--d’you know her? Warriormaster for the White Rose? She was the one who planned to play Jack in the Gabranch had recruited me to spy on Jack, but I kind of went out on ainst me It took her a while, she’s been distracted, but anyway, I ca in the residence hall" Leesha stared glumly out at the frozen lake

"And?" Jason proht up and realized she hadn’t finished the story

"Well, they’re--you know--dead, of course," she said, shrugging

Okaayy Jason thought, studying her with new respect and not a little apprehension

"But it could happen again, and I didn’t want to be looking overare you here for?"

"Long as I can stand it, I guess This town’s really changed It’s like a fortress How does the sanctuary work, anyway? Is there really soic?"

"More than a rule," Jason said, figuring Leesha wasn’t into following rules "It’s enforced with ic sefas--anything stronger than Persuasion--they don’t work in here"

Leesha stared at hi her fingers into her neckline "Cool" She stepped close and looked up at him ide eyes "Who enforces it, anyway? I mean, must be someone with a lot of talent"

He took a quick step back, re to "Must be Well, here’s your ride, I think" It was just a guess The valet had pulled up in an Audi TT Jason went to turn away

She gripped his ar a current of Persuasion up into his shoulder "I really need to stay here I know I’ve done soe" She searched his eyes

"I’m not the one you have to convince," Jason said "Maybe you should start with Jack"

She wrinkled her nose "Jack’s been mad at me ever since I broke up with him And after that whole deal with the traders, I don’t think that’s going to change"

"Then talk to Hastings"

She flinched "He’s so scary, you know?"

He did know Hastings gave the iood thing where Leesha was concerned

Jason figured she wouldn’t stay in the sanctuary long if Hastings didn’t want her there But would he really make her leave? Especially since she couldn’t use attack h, he thought

Leesha’s hand was still on his arazed up at hiray, like smoke on the horizon

Jason had his own petition to deliver He took back his arm "Sorry I can’t help you I just don’t have that much influence" Jason backed away like a courtier from a queen, then turned and headed inside

He looked over his shoulder, once, and saw Leesha still standing next to her car, her hair a cloud around her head, looking small and vulnerable and very e of Plans

By 10 pent from Boston had either left or retired to the bar A DJ had set up in the ballrooathered in a ed sitting area off the ballrooreat hearth, and they dipped hot chocolate out of great silver tureens The jackets and ties came off as soon as the chaperones faded

The Weir ell represented: Jack Swift, Ellen Stephenson, Seph McCauley, and Jason Haley Plus Will Childers and Haruilds And Madison, as so, years ago Beware the uilds Promise me you’ll stay away from them Swear

Maddie had sworn, and yet, here she was I can’t help it, Graht You’d understand if you were here She edged into an elegant loveseat beside Seph, conscious of his hip pressing against hers, the soft buzz of power flowing through She tried to ignore it

He seemed totally at home at these dress-up affairs--not stuffy, but in context He still looked dressed up, even though his jacket was off and his sleeves rolled, long legs extended and crossed at the ankles His shirt was so white it hurt her eyes, his collar starched, the crease in his trousers still perfect