One of the things she hated most about being made mortal again was suffering human afflictions; after all the drama with the girl she had a splitting tension headache. As before the line went to voice mail, and with a hiss of impatience she switched it off. She didn’t have time to wait for the girl any longer, and she was rather glad she wouldn’t have to deal with Audrey in Portland while trying to placate Marquette. Soon enough she wouldn’t need the conflict gems to help with her problem; she had to refine her transfer charm only a little more before it would help her regain her immortality. She summoned the maid to take her overnight luggage down to the car, and phoned Mariah to inform her mentor about the change of plans. “Audrey left two hours ago and hasn’t returned. I can only assume she’s off sulking somewhere. You’ll have to attend to her while I’m out of town.” “Audrey has been seen to,” the old lady said. “Hannah, before you go there is something I must give you.”
