The Secret Chapter

“But don’t make the same mistakes that we have, Irene.” Her mouth quirked in a smile. “Make some new ones.”

“Life was much easier before I had to worry about everyone else worrying,” Irene muttered.

“It’s called growing up, dear. It comes with staying alive.”

Indigo was precisely the sort of person who would declare that a just revolution was worth a million deaths. As long as she wasn’t one of them, of course.

All that fear, all that paranoia, and all of it based on a lie simply to keep convenient control of this world. Maybe there were no universal standards of morality—but this was still just plain wrong.

“I have no intention of signing up to her crusade,” Irene said. “To anyone’s crusade.”

My dear Irene, there are two sorts of collectors. One is satisfied by simply owning the treasured item and doesn’t care whether or not the rest of the world knows. But the other sort—they absolutely have to brag about their possessions. For them, half the pleasure comes from the thought of acquaintances gnawing their guts out with envy. Even if it increases the risk of theft, they can’t help themselves.

“I have a complicated relationship with my parents. It’s a good relationship, but…”

“You hardly ever see them!”

“Yes, that’s why it’s a good relationship.”

They did attempt to leave the European Union last year, but apparently that was prompted by demonic interference.

Be careful. Be diplomatic. Try not to blow anything up.