I stayed in my seat, Quaid next to me, fuming while Venner shook hands with the board of governors and the Council. I noted Mom was the only exception, as she carefully dodged his outstretched hand with a diplomatic smile, moving another witch forward to take her place in a smooth but obvious snub.

There were times Mom and I didn't get along, and times I wished I was more like her.

Guess which this was.

I was less surprised than I should have been to spot Sonja ...