Why does Dalila find it easier to accept what Abdel tells the girls than Meri and Sudi do? How has her background prepared her for her destiny as a Descendant? In what ways is she more prepared than the other two girls? In what ways is she less prepared?

Sudi, Meri and Dalila have not met before Abdel invites them to the restaurant. If they met under other circumstances — at school, for example — do you think they would have become friends? Why or why not?

Sudi and Meri are able to transform into the animals to which they are connected, but although Abdel says that Dalila should transform into a cobra, she is unable to do so. Why do you think she has more difficulty with transmutation than the other two girls? What is the significance of the fact that she transforms...