Page 70 (2/2)

"Earthquake!" someone yelled

"Since when can Elizabeth make earthquakes?" Verlaine huddled on the floor next to Nadia, both of the their hands over their heads just like in those stupid drills

"She can’t" Sos were beyond even the power of witchcraft "But the One Beneath can"

After only a few h, the tremors stopped The school still see out "Forget about skipping," Nadia said as she and Verlaine rose slowly to their feet Plaster dust had fogged the air "I think school’s out"

Verlaine coughed once "Okay, even if you didn’t know about witchcraft? You’d have to know this whole situation is severely screwed up"

She was right, Nadia realized It took very little to veil the world of witchcraft from everyday people simply because they were so quick to explain away deviations fro that would make them question the reality they knew But Elizabeth and the One Beneath were abandoning even that faint pretense They meant to terrify Theyon, it’s happening to Mateo"

Together they ran for the doors, but they swung open just before Nadia and Verlaine would have slah Faye Walsh stood there, her once-pristine white sweater twinset now grubby with dust and debris "Excuse us," Verlaine said as she tried to duck past, but Ms Walsh put out her hand, halting them in their tracks

"We need to talk," Ms Walsh said "Nadia, I’ve been trying to talk to you for a long time"

Nadia forced herself not to scream with frustration "Yes, ma’am, I know, and I’m sorry, but honestly--is this the time?"

"Oh, yes It’s time" Ms Walsh crossed her arms "When I see evidence of witchcraft, I want to talk to a witch"

24

AT FIRST NADIA COULD ONLY GAPE AT MS WALSH WHEN she could speak, she said the only thing she could think of: "You’re not a witch"

"No, I’randns Bound me close Made me a Steadfast"

"You’re a Steadfast?" Verlaine, who had been looking even htened, but only for a randmother itches, why aren’t you one?"

Ms Walsh stiffened slightly; this was a difficult subject "I didn’t have the gift It happens that way sometimes"