“It’s… a cross to bear. Just like all pain is,” she answered, with a determined effort at confidence. “A reminder… not to get too comfortable and complacent in this worldly life. A spur to faith. A-”
“You are not God’s daughter, you little fool! You are disowned! In your theological jargon, I believe the term is ‘anathema’. You are a daughter of Lilith, and I am her rightful heir. Without me, you have nothing.”
“That’s not true,” said Andreea, getting to her feet and taking Antonia by the hand – a gesture she gratefully accepted, and lay her head upon Andreea’s shoulder. The fair lady watched them, somewhat uneasily, but kept every trace of it out of her calm, scornful voice: