Elena’s POV

Elder Scarlett looked at me briefly, then smiled and nodded. “Elena Kensington, right? Why so stiff? Loosen up a little bit,” she said heartily, and it made my already tense muscles loosen up a great deal.

“Apologies, elder. I just returned from school and your sudden return startled me,” I whispered.

She smiled that elderly smile that always calmed the vibe in the room. Then her eyes strayed to my hand, where the ugly scar was glaring. I hid it instinctively. ...