THE thud was light, but the impact jolted her slightly. Xaniyah stepped back instinctively, startled. And then her eyes lifted.

“Hey! Can’t you use your damn eyes?!” the girl barked, jerking back and glaring hard at the person she had just collided with.

Xaniyah took a sharp step backward, stunned. She blinked rapidly and steadied herself, the folded edge of her gown rustling against her knees. That voice? It had come sharp and fast, laced with arrogance and irritation.

It was ...