An awkward silence lingered over the training yard after Ulrich left.
The three sisters remained together near the middle of the practice ground, while Shana stood several paces away. Ulrich had told them to listen to her and made it clear that he expected her to teach them properly. His orders had done what they were supposed to do. They had done very little to make Shana's first moments alone with them easier.
Airam watched her with an expression so cold that Shana kept her hands where the girl could see them. She had the uncomfortable impression that if she reached into a pocket without warning, Airam would assume she was drawing a weapon and act before Shana could explain. Hermione made no attempt to conceal her dislike. She stood with her arms crossed, openly glaring at the woman who had once come to take them from the estate.
