Page 55 of House of Marionne

Her words are lasso and hook around my throat. I raise an eyebrow, as if to ask for more information.

“The Sphere represents the balance of all magic being used, including the forbidden kind. So whatever happened last night somewhere in the world upset it.”

My heart races as fear takes me tightly in its grip. I lean forward, gasping.

“Quell? You okay?”

“I need air.” I walk off, back toward the stairs, to quiet, a hallway without eyes and people. Whatever happened last night disturbed the balance of magic. I know what happened last night. I pace until the ice in my veins melts. I catch a glimpse of myself in the glass of a portrait on the wall. My diadem is still so radiant to behold. Like the moon on a clear night, I can’t imagine staring at it will ever get old.

This can’t have anything to do with me or my toushana or my diadem. It just can’t. I’m one person. Abby said the Sphere encompasses all of magic, like, everywhere.

“There’s no way,” I whisper, peeking back around the corner at the crowd as Grandmom approaches the stage.

“Excuse me,” someone says, rushing past me to find a seat.

I scoot out of the way. Then hastily set a foot in the same direction. I belong here.

I look for Abby in the spot we were just sitting but she’s gone, and it’s filled with someone else. I grab another open chair just as Grandmom takes the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you’d take your seats,” she says, and a barrage of people swarm into the seats. I cross my ankles and pull at a loose thread on my dress.

“Thank you for appearing on such short notice.” She surveys the crowd. “I . . .” Her gaze lands on me and her lips purse in a restrained grin. She sees my diadem.

My lips curl in a smile.

“Sorry, where was I? I am happy to report, but for a few cherished heirloom chandeliers, no one was harmed in last night’s incident.”

Grandmom clasps her hands, and I recognize it as nerves. I sit up taller. Maybe the rumor Abby mentioned is true. What else could make Grandmom sweat?

“The Sphere, as you can see, has been cracked. But the Headmistresses and I are working around the clock to figure out how this has happened. I assure you, everything is under control.” She tugs at her blazer. “Your patience is greatly appreciated as we sort out answers. The good news is that we do have eyes on the problem.”

A hand shoots up from the crowd.

“Yes, sir?”

“Does this mean the Sphere’s location has been discovered?”

“Yes. But as we all know, it’s designed to protect itself.”

Chatter erupts.

“I don’t like this,” someone whispers next to me.

Grandmom huffs, flustered. I squirm in my seat, watching it unfold. Cultivators line the front row, each hanging on Grandmom’s words in silence. Plume twists his bag strap around his finger, over and over. Winding and unwinding.

“So you’re saying it has not relocated itself, or—” the parent presses.

“I’m saying.” Grandmom’s tone rises. She wants to be done with this public interrogation. “We have it under control. All signs indicate that it’s an accident tied to some random natural disaster.”

I sit back in my seat, and the air in my lungs expels. The relief chases away any remnant of chill.

“Each of us four Headmistresses takes this very seriously. The Sphere will not crack further. When we have more updates, we will share without hesitation.” She tucks her clutch under her arm. “Now if you will, your children have a full day of practice and studies ahead. Please, let them get to it. I bid you all a good day.” She exits the stage, ignoring the next questions thrown her way.

The meeting adjourns as quickly as it appeared, and Grandmom beckons for me to meet her beside the stage.

“You are exquisite.” She air-kisses both my cheeks and turns me around, taking in the diadem on my head.

“I’m so glad you’re pleased.”