Page 102 of Sins of the Heart

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He smiled, his blood quickening. She was utterly,

absolutely perfect. Innocent. Lovely. And in her

blood, the faintest trace of Aset’s lineage. He had

hoped for a stronger link, a full Daughter of Aset. He

had even found such a rare jewel, a girl by the name

of Naphré. But he had been unable to lure her to the

fold no matter what enticement he offered. So Marie

Matheson—with her far weaker blood—it would

have to be.

As though she sensed his regard, Marie lifted her

head and sent him a sidelong look through her lashes.

There was no guile in her action. The shyness was

genuine. She was new to the group—a six-month

acolyte—uncertain as yet of her place. She was new to

the city, with only an aunt in Ottawa, nearly five hours

away. The Setnakhts had become her family. Or so he let

her believe. For now.

Soon enough, she would learn that along with the

public sacrifice of the sheep, Pyotr would make a per-

EVE SILVER

109

sonal and private sacrifice. A sweet, naive little lamb,

newly brought to the fold.

A lamb ripe for the slaughter.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Blood of Aset, words of power of Aset, glory of

Aset,

It is a protection for this great one,

A protection against wickedness.

—The Papyrus of Ani, Chapter 156

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