The flapping of wings descended on us again and I prostrated myself on the ground as before. Everyone bowed in to the Keeper with me, but he stopped Elena.
“Not you.” He bowed his head. He stayed like that for a short moment and straightened. “Well done, Elena Watkins.”
She didn’t need to bow. He deemed her worthy to stand in his presence. Hear that? She is worthy!
A book appeared out of nowhere. The Keeper pushed it in her direction.
I know how she must feel at this very moment because a part of me felt it.
She opened it and patted her pockets. “Does anyone have a pen?”
We all chuckled; no one had brought a stupid pen.
“You don’t need a pen, Elena,” the Keeper said. “Give me your hand.”
She hesitated. Damn, Lucian and I hesitated on her behalf.
Her arm trembled in his paw. Then a
