Shadow and Bone

“I know who you are, of course,” Sergei interrupted, his
white teeth flashing. “Come, let me introduce you. You’ll be
walking with us.” He took me by the elbow and began to steer
me toward a group of Corporalki.
“She’s a Summoner, Sergei,” said a girl in a blue kefta with
flowing brown curls. “She walks with us.” There were
murmurs of assent from the other Etherealki behind her.
“Marie,” said Sergei with an insincere smile, “you can’t
possibly be suggesting that she enter the hall as a lower-order
Grisha.”
Marie’s alabaster skin went suddenly blotchy, and several of
the Summoners got to their feet. “Need I remind you that the
Darkling is himself a Summoner?”
“So you’re ranking yourself with the Darkling now?”
Marie sputtered, and in an attempt to make peace, I
interjected, “Why don’t I just go with Genya?”
There were a few low snickers.
“With the Tailor?” Sergei asked, looking aghast.
I glanced at Genya, who simply smiled and shook her head.
“She belongs with us,” protested Marie, and argument broke
out all around us.
“She’ll walk with me,” said a low voice, and the room went
silent.