"What was that last part?" Teo asks, her eyes narrowed and sharp in focus.
"Uh," I say with a gulp. "That -" my excuse catches in my throat and I cough, unable to voice the words I wanted to say to her. It feels like a grip is tightening on my throat, so I look at Teo with my eyes wide in panic.
She winces and gives me a remorseful look. "Don't ! Don't bother lying, it will only hurt you more. Remember when I said to earn membership, you need to show that you're trustworthy? Right, well...I forgot to mention that part of the reason they know you're trustworthy is because here, you are only allowed to speak the truth. This place is spelled against lies."
I lift a shaky hand to my drink and take another sip. "You forgot?" I say with a hoarse voice and she winces again.
