Raven stood still for a long moment. She didn’t like Sage’s new defiance. Her independence. Still, she was torn. Their father would not be happy. She didn’t want Sage to get into trouble, but Raven knew that somehow their father would blame her. She was supposed to be able to influence her sisters. And usually, she could. She sighed softly. How could Sage put her in this predicament? She closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. This would not end well.
She whirled and followed Sage, announcing, “Sage is staying to help Brother Nicolas.”
Willow gaped.
“Father won’t mind,” Sage reassured Brother Nicolas.
Raven knew she was lying.
“Brother Nicolas is a friend,” Sage added, as if to pacify them.
“Willow and I will wait for Father’s return at Sybil’s farm,” Raven explained, trying to get control of a rapidly spiraling situation. “We’ll bring him back here.”
“Bring him back?” Brother Nicolas echoed in confusion. “There’s no need to bring him back. He is already here!”
