Pender left with promises to keep in touch, though I wasn't holding my breath. He seemed far too trusting of the Council for my tastes, considering the fact they'd not only been ignoring us, but now seemed like they'd turned against us completely on the word of a woman who was evil personified.

Celeste left shortly before Pender did, slithering away before I could confront her.

"Let her go." Mom sounded so tired I didn't argue with her. I watched her go upstairs, ...