Page 157 of Moon Chosen

“Please don’t say anything against Mama.”

Sora touched Mari’s arm gently. “I’m not. I wouldn’t. Leda did what she thought was best. She protected you. All I’m saying is that she might haveoverprotectedyou. I accepted you. Danita accepted you. I think the rest of the Clan would, too, especially if they knew that you are even more gifted than your mother.”

“I’m definitely not more gifted than Leda.”

Sora raised a dark brow sardonically. “I know about the fire.”

“Huh?”

“You caused it. That day Leda died. You did it by using your sun power,” Sora said. When Mari didn’t respond, she prodded. “Hey, you know you can tell me the truth. I’m right about the fire, aren’t I?”

“Yeah,” Mari admitted softly.

“How did you do it?”

“I have no idea. Nik said he could help me with it, but he left too soon.”

“Well, then you have nothing to worry about. That particular male will definitely be back,” Sora said.

Mari said nothing.

“And when he comes back he can tell you how to use your sun power. Then if the males try anything—or, actually, if anyone from the Clan tries anything—just zap them with a little fire. I think that would settle the question of you being accepted by the Clan,” Sora finished with a self-satisfied smile.

“I think there’s a difference between acceptance and intimidation,” Mari said.

“Small difference, and what do you care if you get what you want?”

“What is it you think I want?” Mari asked.

“To be part of the Clan without being isolated and judged,” Sora said.

Mari was mortified to feel her eyes filling with tears. She blinked rapidly and turned toward the hearth. “I’m going to make some chamomile tea. Want some?”

“Not if you make it.” Sora took the herbs from Mari and forced her to meet her eyes. “You’re an excellent Moon Woman, but a really abysmal cook. And you don’t need to be ashamed that you want to be accepted. We all do.”

“Really?”

“Really. Wipe your face. I’ll make the tea. There’s also some bread left.” Rigel lifted his head and padded over to Sora, sitting in front of her and whining softly. “I shouldn’t have fed you. Now you’ll never leave me alone.”

“It’s a compliment to your cooking that he already understands the wordbread,” Mari said.

“I suppose you’re right.” Sora broke off an end of the long, slim loaf and tossed it to Rigel, who caught it neatly. She split the rest of the loaf in half and handed one hunk to Mari. “So will you help me?”

“Are we back on the males again?”

“Yes, we are,” Sora said.

“Let me think about it,” Mari said.

“While you’re thinking, consider this—you are part of both worlds—the Tribe and the Clan. I think you should use your powers for good, for both of them.”

Mari’s eyes widened in surprise. “You realize that means you’re okay with me helping the Tribe?”

“If you’ll also help the Clan then I think it’s an even trade,” Sora said. “Ifyour precious Tribe doesn’t take you captive or kill you because you’re part Scratcher.”

“There is that,” Mari said.

“I guess that’s something you can discuss with your Companion when he comes back around here looking for you.”