Sylvia guided the mara toward Lorelei. When it stood before her, Lorelei stared up at Sylvia with dumbstruck awe. The pale light of the sun haloed her. She was utterly resplendent. She looked like an angel, or perhaps a fairy-tale knight. Neither option was good. As calmly as she could manage, she said, “That is very dangerous.” “I know.” She extended a hand to Lorelei, the picture of gentlewomanly grace. “I’ll keep you safe.” Lorelei’s heart thudded too fast in her chest. For the first time in five years, Sylvia had said something that shocked her beyond words, beyond derision. She didn’t
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