It had been colder than normal at the library.

It wasn't the weak winter sun streaming through the big windows or the stone walls; rather, it was enemy territory, unlike in many previous years. That may have been dramatic. Perhaps I was weary. Perhaps it was the way they stopped talking as soon as I entered.

Maya saw it as well.

She told me, "Don't look at them."

Selene appeared to have become more subdued during the past two days, and she believed she was deserving of the ...