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Karen reached out a hand "She won’t do anything Not unless it’s necessary And she’ll always tell you ahead of tio hand in hand Only those with extreme empathy for another can be trusted not to use that influence to manipulate"

Damien said, "In short, Ava, Orsala could influence your , but since she would feel your e against your will and the ony that would produce--she would never do it Does that uess" Ava felt herself start to relax

"It’s the reason that Sarih&ouives everyone a mental prompt--a safety--so we are unable to reveal its location This is what keeps us safe froht try to kidnap one of our people and make her talk"

"Has that happened?" A chill went down her neck

"Yes," Karen said softly "A nu us wouldn’t work So now they just kill us on sight"

"Orsala will give you that mental prompt when you meet her, Ava," Damien said "You won’t have a choice about it"

"I’m fine with that"

"Good"

The thought of being forced to lead the Grigori to this peaceful place made Ava want to throw up Instead, she steadied her hands on her coffee cup and took another bite of bread, deciding to steer the conversation into less dangerous waters

"So, Karen, if I baked, I’d ask you for this recipe But I don’t, so I’ave her a bright smile "Would you like to learn how to bake?"

"Unless you want your kitchen in fla between Sari and Damien on the path to Orsala’s house The older woman lived about a es The energy between the two nore the rush of voices that flew from their minds Both obviously had a lot to say, but they had no intention of sharing

Finally, Ava had to break the silence, if for no other reason than to stave off the approaching headache "So, why does she live so far away? Is it because of the e?"

"Hmm?" Sari looked over her shoulder, as if surprised that Ava was still there

"Orsala Why does she live away from everyone else?"