Page 83 (2/2)

“Ah! There we are”

Xiomara stepped back into the hallith a triuold dangled frorasp “Come with me,” she told Melody “And close that door”

She did as she was told A few minutes later they were back in a familiar part of the Manor Xio again to keep up She pointed to a young man and wo to each other in low tones

“Silvera Alvarez Piss off, please”

The pair gathered up whatever they orking on and left quietly Melody didn’t even wait for Xioesture to take one of the still-warm chairs

“Now then,” the Head of Order said She winced only slightly as she slid her tiny frame into the seat across from her “Down to business…”

Melody folded her hands on the table If there was one thing Xiomara hated, it was interruption She was determined to listen

“You’ve been chosen for soan, “but which is very i to tell you, so keep that in mind”

Her heart raced Her body tingled

This is going to be good!

She nodded obediently

“You’ll be traveling to Everhteenth-century mansion, deep in the plantation fields of Louisiana It’s an ancient place, on ancient grounds You’re to treat it with respect, as well as its owner, Lady Neveux”

Melody knew some of this already She didn’t say so She wanted to hear everything, so she kept silent

“The owner is very old, very eccentric,” Xiomara went on “She used to hold this ball annually, but now throws it only on the years she actually remembers”

The Head of Order paused to shift her weight around in the wooden chair The result was apparently unsatisfying She still looked uncomfortable