The Three Who Chose Me

Josie

I hoped Kiel wouldn’t break character. Everything hinged on him keeping up the act, and deep down, I knew Michelle wasn’t far. Something in my gut screamed that she was eavesdropping. The air itself felt charged, like the walls had ears and were itching to betray us. If we slipped now, if Kiel faltered even for a second, all our carefully laid-out plans would unravel before our eyes like thread pulled from a sweater.

I hadn’t made it far—barely got to the junction—when Michelle appeared with two elders flanking her like guards on a royal escort. Of course, her entrance was theatrical. Michelle never knew how to exist quietly. She couldn’t breathe without making it everyone’s business. She had a presence that demanded attention even when she wasn’t worth any. The corners of her mouth curved up in a smug little smile, and she looked at me like she was already winning.

The elders stepped forward before I could even open my mouth. One of them raised his hand in a slow, deliberate gesture, the kind meant to assert authority. "I am Elder Lint," he announced, voice thick with self-importance. "And this is Elder Harvey."

I folded my arms, already annoyed and more than a little curious about what kind of nonsense they were about to unload on me. "What can I do for you?" I asked, forcing myself to keep my tone neutral, even though every instinct in me was bracing for the stupidity I could practically smell coming.

Michelle, ever the queen of unnecessary commentary, jumped in with a snide, "Finally asking the right questions."

"Silence," Elder Harvey snapped, his sharp glare pinning her in place. "You will speak only when spoken to."

Now that was new. I tilted my head slightly, not because I was impressed, but because watching them try to muzzle Michelle was the only form of amusement I was getting today. Still, irritation simmered beneath my skin like a pot about to boil over.

"Well?" I asked, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. "You all came here together. I assume you’re not here for tea and pastries."

Lint gave me a sagely nod like he was about to deliver a divine revelation. "We understand this situation is difficult, but Michelle’s father was a close friend of ours. We’ve known her since she was a pup. Because of that long-standing relationship, we feel it’s our duty to intercede on her behalf."