The words echoed in Gwendolyn's mind like a taboo.

"What?" She whispered.

"Your mother isn't here." Kieran repeated, voice cold, eyes emotionless. "I lied."

A persistent ringing sounded in her ears. It couldn't be. He had to be pulling her legs.

"If this is a joke, stop it." She muttered. "You told me, when you were my prisoner, that you would take me to her. You said she was still alive."

"What part of 'I lied' do you not understand?" Kieran said in annoyance. "Those two years you ...