privacy to talk among themselves. I could only imagine the torment in their hearts. My position on the matter was a difficult one, if I were to be honest with myself. I was fond of the Visentis brothers because they were innocent pawns in this affair and because they were Kalon’s siblings. I wanted only good things for them, but I also hated Petra, and I would’ve liked nothing more than to see her dead and gone.
Ansel was the first to spot me. He got up, his eyes bright and alert. “Are you okay?” he asked, and I liked him even more for caring about me when he was the one with the murderous mother locked in a nearby tower.
“You don’t need to worry about me,” I told him. “What about you?”
“I’m fine,” Ansel said. “As well as one could be under these circumstances.”
I looked at Tudyk and Moore. “It couldn’t have been easy to see your mother like that. I apologize for having to restrain her, but I’m sure you understand why.”
“Of course,” Tudyk replied. “She is dangerous. Any one of us could tell you that.”
“But how are you holding up?” I asked. “Tell me honestly.”
Moore sighed softly. “Why did we lie to her about Kalon?”
“Because if she knew, it might make her do something dangerous or irrational,” I replied.
“But she’s cuffed and under Derek’s supervision,” Moore insisted.
I shook my head. “That could change. We’re constantly on edge when we’re around her. I’m afraid that won’t go away, because of who she is and what we all know she’s capable of.”
“You’re worried she’ll go after Valaine or something,” Ansel muttered. “She’d want retribution for getting her son sick.”
“And if Petra kills Valaine, it’ll ruin any chance of healing him by awakening the Unending,” Thayen chimed in. “Maybe you should tell Petra about Kalon. It might keep her in check with regard to Valaine.”
I hadn’t considered that. This kid was truly phenomenal. There was definitely leader material in him. He didn’t speak often, and when he did, he chose his words carefully. Thayen was by far one of the most valuable Aeternae I’d ever come across, and he had been long before I learned about the soul shard implanted in his heart.
Ansel nodded his agreement. “That’s a good point. If Mother is made aware of this connection, she might be easier to work with.”
“I’ll consult with Derek and Sofia about this later. For now, I’m letting the interrogation proceed without me. He’ll relay all the details to us when he’s ready.”
“Esme, will you be keeping my mother in the western tower?” Moore asked.
“Yes.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if you take her somewhere else?” he asked, and I shook my head.
“It’s the safest place for her. Rest assured that she is well protected. Time is in the north tower, but he’ll be able to intervene if she becomes a danger. Though I doubt she’ll try anything. We have you, so she has to play nice.”
Moore’s eyes turned suddenly white, and the blood froze in my veins. “But do you have us?” His voice sounded different, infinitely colder.
“What’s going on?” I murmured, my senses overwhelmed and confused.
Before anyone could respond, Moore lunged at me. I’d forgotten how fast and deadly this kid could be. Big mistake on my part, because even though he was only six going on seven, he’d already fought in the Blood Arena. I heard Tudyk shout, “Brother, no!”
Moore missed me by inches as I dashed sideways and swerved around for his inevitable return. He came in for a second attack with his claws, and I managed to push him off. It caused him to stumble and fall, but only for a moment.
“Esme, be careful!” Ansel said, pale and sweaty as he analyzed his youngest brother’s behavior. “There’s something wrong with him!”
“Yeah, I can see that!” I replied, my muscles hard and tense as I braced myself.
Moore glided across the dried dirt, both sets of claws glinting in the retreating moonlight. He slashed at me with his left, and I moved back a couple of feet. He pursued me, slashing at me with his right, and I avoided him again as I worked to find an opening or the right angle to approach him.
“He’s not himself,” Tudyk said. He tried to pull the boy away from me, but Moore hit back hard, and Tudyk fell tumbling backward, groaning from pain.
Ansel did his best to take Moore down himself, but that also ended badly. With one quick move, Moore gained the