Nimue and Morganna looked calm as they sipped their tea from paper-thin porcelain and cut into their omelets. Melnue was distracted, looking over her shoulder as if expecting attack.An axe leaned against the chair nearby. Why Morganna possessed an axe she hadn't bothered to explain. Melnue kept an eye on it, as well, for anything could suddenly come alive. The fainting couch in the living room, now fluff and splinters, attested to that.She looked at the sisters and tried to imitate their serenity but finally broke down. “Why are you so calm? Any minute now the stove could try and bake us. Or the—""Shh,” Morganna warned. “Don't give them any ideas."Melnue subsided, embarrassed. She looked into her cup. The rooster-shaped teapot on the shelf behind her shook and jumped off the ledge. She picked up the axe and hit it without even looking. It shattered, pieces clattering to the floor.Nimue swallowed. “She has quick reactions, our girl."Morgan pouted. “I liked that teapot.""Perhaps it's not the things.
