Chapter Twenty-Three
The Trial of Character
The summons arrived before breakfast.
Not for Theodore.
Not for Celeste.
For Aveline.
She stared at the elegant cream-colored envelope as though it might explode.
The wax seal bore the crest of the Continental Council.
A silver wolf beneath seven stars encircled by twelve smaller pack crests.
Her stomach tightened.
"I..."
She looked toward Clara.
"I think they've made a mistake."
Clara smiled as she buttered a slice of toast.
"They haven't."
"But..."
"I've never been summoned anywhere."
Margaret chuckled.
"First time for everything."
Aveline turned the envelope over in her hands.
"Should I open it?"
The entire kitchen fell silent.
Thomas looked at Margaret.
Margaret looked at Clara.
Clara looked toward the ceiling.
Finall
