Why is the Gauntlet necessary. I already know, of the three of them, Maxim's got his eye on it, don't you. Why not just let him ascend. Leave his foulmouthed sister and my husband out of it?

( "You don't really do tradition out in Cali, do you, Gainor?" Max asks tilting his head. "It's called dedication. But, you're on probation, right? Almost getting your mark killed. Where is Elena Gilbert, again?" )

Max, we all took off. Forgive me for not following Elena with hunters on our tail. I'll find her.