Chapter 41

Mara's POV

The circle beneath Vivian's skin brightened once, then faded to a deep red glow around the curve of her stomach. Maeve put both hands on Vivian's shoulders before she could try to sit up again. "Do not move. I mean it this time."

"I am lying on the floor," Vivian said through clenched teeth. "My options are limited."

"Good. Keep them limited."

I barely heard them. The phrase founder seal had altered everything.

The phrase founder seal changed the room. Soren arrived with three books under one arm and stopped so hard in the doorway that the top volume slid to the floor.

"Show me."

Maeve pointed at Vivian. "You touch her without asking, and I remove a finger."

"I was referring to