Chapter 7: Wolfless Girls Bruise

Greaves Hall had a heating vent in the stairwell, and my ears were good enough to use it.

Tilly stood lookout at the bottom of the stairs, eating a granola bar so loudly I wanted to throw her out.

"If anyone comes, I'll say we're lost," she whispered.

"We aren't lost."

"I'll say you're lost, then."

I pressed my ear against the metal on the second landing.

Anson Greaves's room was directly above it.

He was on the phone, and he was in no hurry.

"No, sir, the girl is settled," he said. "Her dress fits, and she says the right lines."

A man's voice answered from the receiver, low and flat.

I knew it.

My father said, "And the other one?"

"She hasn't turned up in the woods or at a bus depot," Anson said. "We think she's in the school."

"Then you find her before the Gathering. The seat can't pass until the real girl signs the renunciation."

"My sister can sign for her on paper. I have the pen."

"Paper won't hold at the stone, Anson. The stone wants her hand and her blood."

"Then I'll bring her to you breathing."

"The Marlowes will have their payment at midwinter either way," my father said. "A bride, or the money back with interest."

My chest went cold and quiet.

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