An Invitation to the Darker Side

"Do you think you can come back quickly? Tiel is there alone," Celeste whispered into the phone.

Avond replied apologetically, "I'm sorry, Celeste, but I can't. My father is on his way here, and he wants me to find any possible item that could be laced with poison—or even any food she might have eaten. Have you seen her order something from outside?"

"Not that I know of. I've been so busy I didn't pay any attention," Celeste answered regretfully. If only she had known this would happen, she'd have made sure to keep an eye on everything.

"It's okay, Celeste. I don't think any of us did. My father can be as angry as he wants—he can't say anything. He wasn't there either," Avond replied. Although it sounded as if he was defending them, he seemed more angry at Erickson than anything.

Did he blame his father for not being there for his mother?

Celeste could only guess—it was much easier to cope when there was someone else to blame.