Aurora stormed back into the room.

Her hands were clenched. Her nostrils were flared. Her eyes were flashing with hatred.

“You are sick! Cowards! Damn manipulators!”

The elder did not react. He watched as if each curse word was just part of what he expected.

“You locked up my mother like a criminal! You kidnapped me! What do you want now? For me to kneel? To thank you?”

The old man bowed his head, impassive.

“When you're ready, I'll tell you how ...