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“In the beginning, there were two sisters born into the vast universe. The first was called Ebanarra and the second, Tasminya. While their looks were identical, their spirits were as opposite as night and day. But they both shared a fondness for creation.

“Ebanarra made the stars, while Tasminya formed the moons. When they created worlds together, Ebanarra would make the land, the plants, and the skies. Tasminya, the waters, animals, and winds. Together, they made the first woman, who gave birth to the human race.

“Ebanarra was always careful and meticulous with her creations, nurturing them, guiding them, watching them grow. While Tasminya was a little more reckless, not striving for perfection, but uniqueness. She rarely stayed to care for her creations, more interested in what they would make of themselves.

“Today, we give thanks to the Sisters for every good thing in our lives, and we pray to them both when we’re in need.”

I relax somewhat in the telling. Everything in Thersa is new and requires adjustment, but it’s nice to be met with something familiar. The Goddesses are the same here as they are back home.

“The Goddesses have set an example for us since the beginning,” the priestess says. “We should show care and love for this world and the people in it. The church accepts donations for the poor and less fortunate. Those who can’t afford to give of their income are encouraged to share their time. The priestesses at the orphanage can always use more helping hands.

“Be kind to all, despite our differences. Pray for those who wrong you. Ask the Sisters to help change their hearts.”

I can honestly say it never occurred to me to pray for Kymora. I suppose it couldn’t hurt.

“Do these things and there will be a place reserved in the Sisters’ heavens for you. A place where there is no pain nor fear nor strife.”

There is so much comfort to be taken in the Sisters’ teachings. That’s why I haven’t managed to give up on them yet. I believe we should all be kind to everyone and do our part to help others. I want to believe there is an existence after this one where I don’t have to feel scared or anxious anymore.

I’m almost glad I was forced to attend today’s service. The comfort of it is a balm to my troubled heart.

“And of course,” the priestess continues in the same gentle voice, “above all else, we must eradicate magic at all costs.”

That has me snapping my neck up.

“We do not know when it first came into existence—magicpredates the written word—but it swept over this world like a disease, infecting some while blessedly sparing others. We do not know its origin, but we suspect it came from the land. From digging minerals out of the earth, churning the soil for crops, burying the dead. Somewhere, the magic sprang forth, and those who became corrupted permanently destroyed their bloodlines, passing the taint down from generation to generation.”

Temra and I share a look before the priestess continues. “At first, the world mistook magic as a blessing from Ebanarra, but all too quickly it became clear that it was a curse. Our own city had the worst of it. Here in Thersa, there was one born with the ability to control the minds of others. Magic came from the land, and the Goddesses formed the first woman from the dust of this world. We are of the land, and so this magic user could control the people around him. Craynd was his name. He used his ability to control this city. To make all people do his bidding. We were enslaved. All newcomers became captive to his spells. We were unable to even pray to our Goddesses for aid, as we were incapable of recognizing our own enslavement. His rule lasted until he died, an old man of eighty-seven. Only then were we freed. This was some five centuries ago.

“Then came the rightful time of the illegalization of magic and the extermination of those who were sickened with it. The world cleansed itself of this blight by any means necessary. The bloodlines bearing it were wiped out. And the world was made whole once more.

“On occasion, a latent line of magic will bear a new magic user, and when this happens, it is our duty to stamp it out. To keep the healthy peoples of the world safe.”

The priestess turns her attention right on me in the first row and smiles. “We are so happy to have you join us in our divine duty to this world.”

I swallow in the silence that follows. Petrik gives me the side eye, while Temra reaches out to clasp my hand in hers.

“What a lovely reminder of our history,” Volanna says as we walk back to the estate. “Did you enjoy yourselves, dears?”

“Yes,” Temra lies. “Though I was surprised by the bit about magic in the sermon. We’ve never heard such an account. Do you really put all magic users to death?” Her question is phrased innocently enough, but I still worry that Volanna will see right through it.

“Magic played such a horrible role in our city’s history. We can’t risk it happening again. Those with magic aren’t really human. They’re something else entirely. Such executions are just and necessary.” She nods to emphasize her point.

That answers that question: If I’m discovered, they’ll kill me, family or not.

“Did my Darren not teach you such things?” Volanna asks.

“We were too young when he passed to remember, Grandmother,” Temra lies. Obviously Father didn’t have a bias against magic if he married Mother. I think I can guess why he left Thersa without any trace. “We have a lovely chapel back home, but it is nothing compared to Thersa’s,” she adds, changing the subject. “Your priestess seems most wise and capable.”

Volanna grins. “Thank you, and do not worry over the newness of Thersa. You will understand such truths soon enough.Now, let’s head home and we’ll have a nice luncheon with the family. We’ll discuss the sermon further over food.”

Volanna gets caught up in conversation with her other grandchildren, who are all much younger than Temra and me. The three of us fall behind in the procession so we can’t be overheard.

“What are we going to do?” Petrik asks.

“Nothing,” Temra says. “There’s no reason to worry. Volanna hardly seems violent, regardless of what she believes. Besides, legally the church can’t do anything to Ziva. Magic isn’t outlawed, despite what this sect believes.”

“That does very little to comfort me,” I say. “Kellyn said some might take the law into their own hands. I could be dead before any lawmakers are involved.”