Chapter 12

• Nova
• The dim glow of my bedroom lamp cast long shadows across the walls as I stood in front of my mirror, studying myself. I scowled at my reflection like it had personally offended me. I had never cared much for appearances, not when my mind had always been the defining trait that set me apart. But tonight, as I prepared for the Blackwood ceremony, the day I would finally meet Seylan Vaelthorn, my reflection felt like a problem I needed to solve.
• I found myself facing an unfortunate truth, I looked twelve.