Book Seven: Chapter 149

“And so I deceive, much like she did. Unlike her, I seek to repair that which has been broken and I have been a patient man. Last time we met, I faltered. I was weak in a moment when I should have been strong, I lacked commitment to my ideals. I believe you Americans have a saying for this. I choked at the finish line. It was a matter of poor planning on my part. I needed to be better, to be stronger the next time we met. How could she respect me if I wasn’t even strong enough to bring her home?”

“Sir, that’s--”

The Director made a slashing gesture with one hand and Ingrid clutched at her mouth. She moved her lips, but no sound emerged.

“Such a simple spell,” he said, turning to face them once more. Beneath his chin, dark scales rippled as a smile crossed his face. “To nullify the vibrations of the air itself before it can travel further than the lips. It is a more precise version of a spell we use to prevent earthquakes.”

“You’re a naga.” Mike blinked and sh