The nickname wasn't her invention, exactly. But it was well-placed. Ariadne had all of those qualities. And a tendency to rub off on people, much to their annoyance. Even Aunt Lysia wasn't immune to her charms. And Lysia, more than anyone else, knew the real Ariadne.

That Cole talked like he did too was unnerving. A pity his scent wasn't Alastrian. It would have explained so much.

"Coal is fire and brimstone and hardness," she replied. "I'm not sure it suits you."