"Let him try," Lilith said. The words were cold and calm, both. "He will put it down where we tell him to."
Elowen's tone matched her in its own way. "Roots remember who steps where."
"Good." The Ancestress's smile was brief and clean. "Keep it that way. When he tests the exam, and he will test it, do not let him choose the room."
"We will not," Lilith said.
"We will be there," Elowen said.
The Matron's tail made another thoughtful circle. "We keep speaking of him. He will not come alone.
The knife likes to play with its food. The knife will send blades before it sends itself. You will see disciples who cut souls first and bodies later. Do not let them sing in your halls."
"They won't find a chorus," Lilith said.
"They will find thorns," Elowen said.
A soft crack ran along a far mirror and sealed again, like a joint stretching and falling back into place. The seal's hum stayed low, comfortable.
