xia

d have wept. She would have pleaded. She would have exhausted

e of thos

ain through my chest. I lifted my gaze to meet hers, my eyes deliberately

ed fingers aiming to grab my ar

rceptible movement, I shi

dry whisper. "The doctor thou

mall, but per

cker of fear and disgust crossing her features. I saw it. I had cou

ome my shield. It created a perimeter

ned its sharp edge. "Don't play games wi

peaking was too much. "I don't know," I said, my words slow and de

ion. I was stating a fa

door, saw her opening. "Madam,

defender, especially one my mother would dismiss ou

pressing her lips together an

aven't left this room." I paused, letting the silence stretch, then added, as if it were an aftert

pread across my mother's face. Her brow furrowed. I could see

ed. I had no

e. And Aaron

t. She didn't want to suspect her precious s

would be to overplay my hand. I closed my eyes, letting out a soft,

y was more convincin

a confession, for a release of her anger, and instead, she was faced with a

re exasperation, s

ad been hovering in the hall. "Get Aaron. Brin

m, her anger now redirec

ened my eyes, and for the first time in day

rd of this new life. A small, defens

's attack. I had turned