Once upon a time, I really liked this woman. I think I even loved her. But she convinced my father to send me to Prynne. She requested unimaginable tortures be visited on me. Now she wants to chat as if we’re long-lost pals?
I remain mute.
She turns to the Shells. “Collar Killian before he’s able to cause any more trouble.”
“Don’t you dare—” Killian goes quiet when the Shell closest to him wraps a glowing band around his neck. Horror and rage shine in his eyes.
“Stop!” I reach for him, desperate to help him, even though I have no idea what the collar is or does. But judging by his reaction, it’s bad. Really bad.
“While a human can command a Laborer, you have no authority over a Leader.” Pearl clasps my wrist, holding me in place with surprising strength. “I know you’re fond of Killian. You were always fond of him, but he’s been a very naughty boy and needs to be transported to the Kennel.”
Kennel? And what does she mean, I’ve always been fond of him?
The answer slides into place. Ashley. She thinks I’m Fused with her daughter.
“Don’t you dare!” The muscles in Killian’s face and shoulders go taut as he struggles for freedom. “You have no right.”
“Please, Pearl,” I plead, my hands forming a steeple. “Don’t hurt him.” I never begged Vans for anything, but then, he’d never had anything worth begging for.
“I won’t. If you sign with Myriad right here, right now.”
My gaze darts to Killian. He already knows my answer. His head is already bowed in defeat.
“I... I...can’t. I’m so sorry, Killian.” There has to be a better way. Caving to evil manipulation now means caving later.
“I’m sorry, as well.” She nods to one of the Shells.
He types into his wrist, a blue light glowing. Then he places a hand on Killian’s shoulder. Killian’s head lifts and our gazes lock for a split second. I see regret, sorrow and challenge. I feel them, too.
There’s so much I want to tell him. I consider you my family. I’m grateful for all you’ve done for me. We were learning from each other, weren’t we? I’m coming for you.
A blast of light slams into the two. Between one blink and the next, they’re gone, and I hiss with a combination of fury and concern.
“Now. Time to deal with you. The prodigal son,” Pearl says to Archer. “The fact that I admire your father is the only reason you’ll survive this day.”
“Don’t hurt him. Please.” I’ll beg for him, too. My boys.
She pats my cheek. “I hear he’s due to attend an Exchange.” She motions to one of the Shells. “Send him home so that he can at last receive it.”
As a gun is pressed between Archer’s eyes, he says, “I love you, Ten. You are the sister of my heart.”
“Don’t do this, Pearl. You said he’d live,” I shout, but the trigger is squeezed. Pop! Archer’s Shell bursts into ash.
“We freed his spirit from the Shell,” Pearl assures me. “That’s all.”
The escape hatch. Right.
She takes my hand and leads me through the house. We pass my dad, who’s standing beside the front door. He won’t look at me and even though this man tried to kill me—twice—his complete disregard wounds me all over again.
A limo is parked in the driveway. A man in a suit is waiting for us. He opens the back door and helps me inside, and Pearl slides in behind me.
“We’re going to a spa, just like we used to when you were a little girl. Remember?”
The spa. On the day my mother and brother died. The day she placed Killian in a hellish situation. The day she sent Archer to face judgment.
“I hate you,” I snarl at her.
She flinches, as though wounded. “You will not talk to me that way. Do you understand? I’m your superior. And Ten,” she says, her voice softening, “I’m your mother.”
“My mother is dead.” The words leave me, and I go still. A terrible thought hits me, and I can’t escape it. “Did you kill her? Did you kill my brother?”
Her gaze implores me to listen, to understand. “I am your mother. You’re Fused with my Ashley. I know it. The timing was perfect—a sign. And you glowed so brightly, as only Generals do.”
“I’m not just a General. I’m an Abrogate.” Or rather, a Conduit. The car motors forward, twisting and turning along the roads. “Eight other Myriadian Generals died the same day as Ashley.”