“Hello, Iris,” Sephone purred, her voice honey sweet. Iris glanced up, surprised by the lack of malice. The other children grouped around Sephone, a silent wall. “Uh . . . hi. You want Mila? I can wake her.” Iris reached to shake Mila’s shoulder. “No!” Sephone snapped, and Iris drew her hand back, startled. “Ah, I mean, no need to trouble Mila. She must be exhausted from the trail. Anyway, it’s your help I need.” Iris peered up at Sephone warily. “What do you want from me?” “Nothing much. Just a tiny spark is all.”
Bad news!
