"You are entering a Time of Trial."

Saudi Arabia feels like home now-the only place Claire's ever had friends, ever belonged. Too bad her time here is running out.

Because Claire and all the other ninth graders must leave home for boarding school next year. Unless she and her boyfriend Luke can convince their parents to send them to the same school, this could be their last year together. But when Claire begins wearing a painful, restrictive back brace for scoliosis, she finds herself sliding into exile. Right where Beatrix, the new girl, wants her.

The black lioness, Claire's mysterious mentor, gives warnings and advice but no real help. Even the Presence seems not present. Can Claire find her way home from 'exile' before it's too late?

"Poor Luke. Stuck with a girl like you and too kind to dump you." Beatrix leaned closer. "If you really loved him, you would let him go."

Her words entered my heart and sank like stones to the bottom.