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“Sebile coree to haruest will be treated with the utets themselves, remember, she’s not forced to show mercy to those who step out of line,” Vale says I spot her faithful servants, Cein and Kul, standing on either side of the flower arch Even with good intentions, she wouldn’t be caught unguarded

Spine straight as an arrow, she looks down on the crowd, nose wrinkled as if she s bad Her smirk is full of secrets we can’t hope to know Even out of her own kingdom, she acts as if we’re beneath her

“There has been ta with the veil betorlds Someone seeks to open a portal that would allow their entire world entrance onto this plane This is the root of your problems”

“If you knew soabout it?” Mr Morel asks

“The problems of humans concern me very little I would not risk an upset to the balance in dom for those who care none for h to allow you to investigate on my lands where I first detected the anomaly”

Everyone begins to chatter at once

“You expect us to trust you with one of our own?” Zephirin asks

“One of yours? No?” She laughs The bell-like sound is cruel and cold, like the season she rules

“Who will you grant safe passage, wise one?” Meadow asks, s champion

“I’ve chosen one to represent you A person I believe understands the co my rules and my people She

has consented to carry your cause and agreed to my terms I choose Louella Esçhete”

“Of course you choose her,” someone shouts in the crowd

Sebile snaps her finger Choking begins “I think you’ve forgotten who you address I aht Your fragile hus I’ve done to others for far less Consider this your only warning” Large gulps for air come from the back

The invisible barrier keeping the rain froy heat Thequalities I shift in my seat, uncomfortable under the stares and poor conditions

Frost coats the ground, and the teround The acrid scent of fear drifts toher hair behind her like a dark banner A purple fire of her aaze Cein and Kul stalk forith eerie twin movements toward the offender