Page 81 of The Iron Flower

“What have you told her about me, Yvan?” Clive’s voice is low and combative.

“That you’re a friend. Someone who might be able to help us. And that you’re involved in the Resistance.”

Clive snarls a low oath. “Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to be mixed up with this girl?”

“Yes.”

“Has she been wandtested?”

“She’s a Level One. She only looks like her grandmother. She has none of her access to power, and Elloren’s nothing like her.”

More silence.

“What did you come here for, Yvan?”

“Elloren rescued a Selkie.”

Silence again, but more prolonged this time. “A Selkie.”

“Yes.”

“Wait, IknowI heard you wrong. Did you say that Vyvian Damon’s niece rescued...a Selkie?”

“Yes.”

“From who?”

“The Verpax University groundskeeper.”

It’s unnervingly quiet again for a long moment. Then the door abruptly opens, and I jump back, looking up to find Clive in the doorway, glaring down at me.

“I... I’m sorry...” I start to stammer.

“Get in here,” he growls.

I enter the room tentatively, unsure what to do next.

“Sit down,” he orders brusquely, pointing at a chair. Yvan is leaning against a windowsill, his arms crossed in front of himself, watching Clive with an intense expression.

Clive stares at me for a long moment as I sit down, as if sizing me up. “You stole a Selkie.”

“Freeda Selkie, yes,” I reply, straightening to meet his oppressive stare.

“Holy Ancient One, you look like your grandmother.”

“So, I’ve been told,” I coolly reply.

He seems momentarily thrown. “It might be advisable for you to keep your face hidden when traveling in Keltania,” he warns. “Your grandmother wasn’t exactly well loved here.”

“I’m well aware of that.”

“So,Elloren Gardner,” Clive says, unable to say my name without contempt seeping through, “what is it you want from me?”

“The Selkies aren’t what everyone thinks they are,” I explain nervously. “Marina...the Selkie we rescued...she can talk.”

Clive looks surprised for a moment. “Are you quite sure?”

“Yes, quite.”

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