"But why me?' Cora wondered aloud. "I have no magic. I have no skills. At least, none that could compare to either of yours."

Aunt Amelia laughed again. "Oh, Cora dear, think of your lessons! What do you think we have been doing all this time?"

Cora's face fell. "Whatever do you mean? Certainly, we have been studying Greek and physics and music, but—"

"No, we have not," Aunt Mathilde corrected her cuttingly. "We merely told you that you were studying those absurd subjects mortals seem to devote their entire lives to—when, really, you were learning everything you needed to know about the craft. Alchemy, herbology, incantations in ancient Greek and Latin, and so on and so forth. We were unsure of your powers at the time and didn't wish to alarm you before you had proven yourself. And you have done just that, most splendidly, might I add, by passing through this threshold."

"Passing... through this threshold?" Cora thought for a minute before her expression brightened into a small smile. "Luna and Noctis were helping me, weren't they? The dream. The nightgown. Moonlight Sonata at midnight. Was all of it part of some spell to help me get here?"

Aunt Amelia tittered in delight. "Oh, I knew you would have a knack for this! Yes, yes, child, that was the key which unlocked your path to the In Between. Don't ever forget it, and don't share it with another soul. Do you understand?"

Cora nodded docilely.

"Now," Aunt Mathilde breathed. Her pale blue eyes gleamed hungrily. "A few simple rules before we set you off on your first task. Number one. You may open any door except for the ones with this symbol on it. There's dark magic hidden behind those particular doors. And we never touch dark magic."

To help illustrate her sister's warning, Aunt Amelia gestured to the circle with the cross that had been burnt into the door beside them and waggled her finger sternly at Cora.

Aunt Mathilde continued, "Number two. If you see a mirror, run. Don't peer inside. Don't look at your reflection. The mirrors here are all cursed. In exchange for our powers, weavers aren't allowed to indulge in creaturely comforts like vanity or narcissism. We'll be punished severely for doing so. Number three. Due to the damage that has been fraying the edges of this realm, you may encounter some poor unfortunate souls or ghouls or phantoms that have accidentally stumbled into the In Between. They came from the mortal realm and may ask you to escort them to their next destination. Don't help them. Don't trust them. Don't even speak to them. They're lost in both body and mind. If you come into contact with them too much, then your sanity may be shredded as well."

Cora gulped uneasily. "Aunt Mathilde? Are you certain that I'll be up to the task you wish to assign me? This is all beginning to sound rather dangerous."

"Nonsense, child! You mustn't lose heart before even embarking upon your destiny," Aunt Amelia chirped encouragingly. "You're much stronger than you think. More powerful than either of us could ever aspire to be, in fact."

"How do you know this, Aunt Amelia?" Cora mumbled uncertainly.

Aunt Mathilde produced a small silver needle and spool of red thread. She handed both items to Cora. "Take these, child. They're enchanted. Use them to sew up any rips and tears you may encounter behind these doors. You'll recognize them the moment you see them. Don't be afraid, Cora, we shall be doing the same with our own enchanted needles and threads. We'll always be watching over you. After all, Aunt Amelia and I value you very, very much. We would never let anything happen to our precious little niece."