“The Lionel, you know, doesn’t have much time; protect the new Lionel with all you have. He needs you, and you have to believe him, no matter what.”

Zera stood before the window, looking out at the settling moon in the quiet room. Aaron had gone ahead to check on Ivan to know the progress of the unmarking ritual while she stayed back. Somehow, the anticipation she had for the unmarking decreased with every hour that passed. She would like to say it had nothing to do with what ...