I was a total idiot. So wrapped up in the O'Dane family tree I failed to consider the trap I headed for as I exited the library and down the hall to History.

Late.

She waited for me, right outside the door, a vulture hovering around a not quite dead carcass, lurking for the chance to feed. My death knell tolled the moment I looked up and into her glittering black eyes.

They were full of triumph and more than a little smugness. Ms. Spaft didn't speak, just handed ...