The Sear of Grit

The atmosphere seemed to lighten as soon as Agatha appeared in the office.

Some of the Imprint's heavy and persistent presence was subverted despite Kieran's lack of control over the thankless desire. He also suffered the aftereffects of having Agatha manipulate his mystical signal, starting at the root.

How Agatha regarded the Imprint underwent subtle changes. Within that medley of emotion was roguish praise. Her sangria-colored eyes, resplendent, polished, and radiant like gems bathed in deep light, shimmered.

"This Imprint was damaged in the beginning, was it not?"

Kieran shuddered, looking at Agatha dubiously.

From the state of her eyes, the way they glistened and felt profoundly deep, Kieran understood she was using one of the innate abilities of the Runemasters.