The ride back to the city was tense. The children cried and babbled until Jorick put them under. Though neither he nor Verchiel said a word, Katelina felt the animosity between them. It was only Brandle that spoke, trying to soothe Zander's heavy mood.

"It doesn't matter who the progenitor was, whether Lilith or another. The Goddess you believe in, whose teachings you follow-She has nothing to do with Lilith. From what I can see, the teachings are the same as many religions. ...