Page 25 of Dark Princess: Shadows

"That's true." He looked around the café and all the perfect people sitting at the small tables, drinking their coffees and munching on their pastries or sandwiches. "It feels like a movie set here. Everyone is beautiful."

She followed his gaze. "They are, aren't they? Not as perfect as my Negal, though."

Rob laughed. "Who would have thought that my baby sister would snag a god?" He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "So, tell me what you have learned in school today."

He used to ask her that when they were still kids, imitating their father.

"Well, today I wasn't at school, but I can tell you what I've learned over the past weeks."

As Margo talked about the psychological profiling, the customized scenarios, and the extensive questionnaires that were needed to craft the experience, Rob found himself imagining what it might be like to step into one of those virtual worlds. To shed the constraints of reality and explore unknown parts of himself.

"The best part," Margo said, "is that it's not just about romance. Sure, that's a big part of it for many people, but the experiences can be tailored to all kinds of relationships. Friendships,mentorships, even just meeting like-minded individuals who share your interests."

Rob nodded. "It sounds transformative."

Margo beamed. "It is. That's why I'm so excited to be a part of it."

18

DROVA

As Drova opened the door for Magnus, her eyes immediately zeroed in on the earpieces he wore. She'd expected that he would come prepared, and in a way, it was better than him coming in with a gun holstered at his hip, but for some reason it still hurt to see every adult who walked through that door wearing earpieces, including her mother.

"Hello, Drova." Magnus offered her his hand.

"Hello." She shook it reluctantly. "Please, come in."

Since moving into the village, she'd been forced to learn what the immortals considered basic manners, mostly thanks to Phinas, who'd made a point of educating her in Western etiquette.

Behind him walked her former minions, Parker, Lisa, and Cheryl. All three were wearing backpacks as if they were on their way to school, but it was the weekend, so maybe they were planning a joint study session in the café later.

"Hi," Parker murmured.

Cheryl and Lisa only nodded in her direction, both looking very uncomfortable to be there.

Magnus walked over to the dining table and pulled out a chair. "Please, sit down." He motioned to Drova.

Having no choice but to comply, she did as he commanded and watched as the three teenagers sat across from her while Magnus positioned himself at the head of the table.

"Before we begin," he said, looking into Drova's eyes. "I just want to make some things clear. Parker and the girls are not wearing filtering earpieces, and they were nervous about coming here today, but I assured them that you will not try anything because you won't like the consequences." He smiled, but it was a cold smile. "House arrest is not the worst punishment we can mete out. If you try to compel anyone, you will find yourself in a small cell in the keep's dungeon."

The implied threat sent an involuntary shiver down Drova's spine, but she kept her face impassive. "I'm not going to compel anyone," she replied, her tone just shy of insolent as she swept her gaze over the three teenagers. "You have nothing to be afraid of." She added a chilly, threatening smile.

Magnus shook his head. "You'd better change your attitude and fast, Drova. I don't have patience for your games."

"What games?" She leaned back and crossed her arms over her chest.

"It's time to apologize, and you'd better make it sound sincere."

Drova gritted her teeth, the words sticking in her throat. But the thought of being stuck in a tiny cell in the keep's dungeon spurred her on. "I'm sorry," she managed, the words comingout stilted and insincere. "I shouldn't have compelled you to do those things."

Magnus nodded his approval. "That will do, but you need to apologize to each person you harmed by name."

Drova stifled the urge to roll her eyes. The faster she did what he wanted, the sooner this charade would be over, and they would leave her alone.

"Parker." She looked the boy in the eyes. "I'm sorry I made you steal things for me."

"And break things," Parker added.

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