Malevolent ᶜᵃʳᵗᵉʳ ᴷᵃⁿᵉ ˣ ᵒᶜ

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Sadie woke to a bucket of ice water splashing into her face.

"Sadie! Get up," Zia commanded, standing over her with a stern expression.

Sadie sputtered and shook her head, wiping the freezing water from her eyes. "God! Was that necessary?"

Zia shrugged, not looking the least bit remorseful. "No."

Sadie fought the urge to strangle her. She was dripping wet, shivering, and still disoriented. How long had she slept? It felt like only a few minutes, but the dormitory was empty. All the other cots were made. The girls must've already gone to their morning lessons.

Zia tossed her a towel and some fresh linen clothes. "We'll meet Carter in the cleansing room."

Sadie groaned, rubbing her arms to warm herself. "I just got a bath, thanks very much. What I need is a proper breakfast."

"The cleansing prepares you for magic." Zia slung her bag of tricks over her shoulder and unfolded the long black staff she'd used in New York. "If you survive, we'll see about food."

Sadie was tired of being reminded that she might die, but she got dressed and followed Zia out. They walked through another endless series of tunnels until they came to a chamber with a roaring waterfall. There was no ceiling, just a shaft above them that seemed to go up forever. Water fell from the darkness into a fountain, splashing over a five-meter-tall statue of a bird-headed god. Thoth, Sadie remembered. The water cascaded over his head, collected in his palms, then spilled out into the pool.

Carter stood beside the fountain. He was dressed in linen, with his Dad's workbag over one shoulder and his sword strapped to his back. His hair was rumpled, as if he hadn't slept well. At least he hadn't been doused in ice water. Seeing him, Sadie felt a strange sense of relief. She thought about Iskandar's words last night: Your brother will need your guidance.

"What?" Carter asked, noticing her gaze. "You're staring at me funny."

"Nothing," Sadie said quickly. "How'd you sleep?"

"Badly," Carter admitted, shifting uncomfortably. "I'll...I'll tell you about it later."

Was it her imagination, or did he frown in Zia's direction? Possible romantic trouble between Miss Magic and her brother? Sadie made a mental note to interrogate him next time they were alone.

Zia went to a nearby cabinet. She brought out two ceramic cups, dipped them into the fountain, then offered them to Sadie and Carter. "Drink."

Sadie glanced at Carter. "After you."

"It's only water," Zia assured her, "but purified by contact with Thoth. It will focus your mind."

Sadie didn't see how a statue could purify water, then remembered what Iskandar had said about gods being able to inhabit anything. She took a drink and immediately felt like she'd had a strong cup of Gran's tea. Her brain buzzed, her eyesight sharpened, and she felt so hyperactive, she almost didn't miss her chewing gum—almost.

Carter sipped from his cup. "Wow."

"Now the tattoos," Zia announced.

"Brilliant!" Sadie said, sarcastically.

"On your tongue," Zia added.

Sadie's smile faded. "Excuse me?"

Zia stuck out her tongue, revealing a blue hieroglyph in the middle. "Nith ith Naat," she tried to say with her tongue out, then quickly corrected herself. "I mean, this is Ma'at, the symbol of order and harmony. It will help you speak magic clearly. One mistake with a spell—"