a sea of glittering g

ng holding court. Brynn Holloway, stun

ow in a simple dark dress,

her. An instruction

f checking his w

carried. H

h. It's gone." He looked distres

a. "Sera. You were near me all

Jul

tone was sharp. "Everyone, please, keep an

tiny, vicious mov

hina

hands and knees. Under tab

ome pulled out thei

rl from the ice

s her well

apés on a serving tray, her fing

ood. This public degradation, under the

in his jaw. He seemed almost... frust

nothing.

rt was served, Julian p

ut the vintage gold watch. "Si

sigh, some po

hank you for keeping me calm,

"Anything for

ushing dust from her d

Sera. False alarm. You can rel

gaze. "I'm glad you

ed away

public meltdown. Or rather,

ooking pale and distraught, J

career, the constant public s

a woman with expensive crystals and

gy. But more than that, someone must under

alled Se

, Dr. Anya, suggests a silent meditative trek. Through the Serpent' s

rail by reputation.

senting Brynn's burdens. And periodically, they must broadcast short,

you to do this, Ser

ismay, but of... recognition. T

he asked. "How

ut a pound each, I think. And the live streams, every t

urdens that were not hers, and publicly praising t

ld surely unravel

lian," she said

ave Marcus arrange the transport and the gear. Don't m

cal right-hand man. He' d b

. The cheapest, most durable

his "cleansi

d. It was practically vi