The look on my face must have told them I wasn't exactly in tune with their beliefs. In fact, I'm fairly certain I stared with blank incomprehension for so long I made awkward seem normal. All the while Chaos seethed with her huge laughter and echoing sorrow banging around inside me like she might try to fly out on her own and not look back.

It was Dad who leaned toward me, cupped my icy cold hand in his, the warmth of his skin as unfamiliar as the starry smile on his ...