She forced herself to sit straighter, blinking hard, but tears still slid down.

She swallowed, then whispered, "And the people out there... especially the kids... Baron, there are bad things happening. Horrible things." The pain pushed through her voice. "I heard things."

Baron froze. His jaw tightened.

"I was hoping you wouldn't," he admitted in a low, rough voice. "I told everyone to keep it quiet."

Elowyn shook her head weakly. "It's okay... I think I needed to know. Now I... I ...