The compound learned about Rowan's gift gradually.
Not through announcement — Maren had documented it, Zane had added it to the account, but neither of them had distributed the information as a formal bulletin. In the compound's specific way of things, the knowledge moved through the warmth of those who had been in the kitchen and spread outward in the concentric rings of a community that shared a bond.
Cole knew within the hour. He had not been in the kitchen but Cole always knew.
Aldis knew by evening. She came to me in the kitchen that night — not dramatically, just stood in the doorway in the way she had when she had something to say.
"The gift," she said.
"Yes," I said.
"They'll know the truth of people," she said.
"Yes," I said.
She was quiet for a moment.
"I don't mind," sh
