The sting on Ceci’s cheek was a brand of triumph. She didn’t flinch away from it; instead, she slowly turned her face back to Linsy, her eyes gleaming with a perverse satisfaction. The red mark was a testament to Linsy’s unraveling control.

“Linsy,” Ceci said, her voice a saccharine drip, “such a temper. You do know that assault is illegal, don’t you? Even for a Helwart associate.”

Linsy’s body was a live wire, thrumming with a cold, focused fury. “What you’ve done,” ...