I nod but stay silent. She smiles. "Fine. I had to read those books because the Elder hated doing it. I only told him what was in them - not much. But he did find one book that detailed the power of emotions in any form - whether in shifters, fairies, or even witches," she says, staring at me intently. "He thought your mother had it and wanted to use her for his goals, but she never gave in."

I remain quiet. Just mentioning my mother makes me feel sick - she endured so much ...