Chapter 28. The Old

“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 Quincy told her a week ago and today, but it did. What did he mean by the old and new Lionel? What does protecting him with all she has meant? Wasn’t she protecting him as it was?

She didn’t want to think about what he said; it only brought her confusion. But having repeated it twice now made her understand she couldn’t ignore it.

What if things go bad tonight? What if something terrible happens? What then?

Could Quincy see the future? Why did he speak with his mouth closed? Did he even