The next morning, the four newest novices made their way to the classrooms. There, they found Sister Mony standing with her hands on her hips.
She frowned when she saw them. “You four have broken the rules. You were consorting with each other in the girls’ room last night. You three,” she stared at Brivid, Tonlo, and Shimilla in turn, “know the rules about that. No entering the rooms of a member of the opposite sex.”
Asphodel stepped forward. “Please, Sister, it was not their fault. I received some bad news, and they came to comfort me.”
Sister Mony huffed. “So you were the ringleader. I hope this doesn’t mean you are going to be trouble, Aspholessaria.”
Asphodel raised her head. “There was nothing wrong. I was grateful for their comfort.”
“Girl, lower your gaze when speaking to a sup
