Book Four: Chapter 181

“What is that?” Mike asked.

“A parasite. Cecilia here has been growing a soul.” When the queen let go, the soul snapped back into Cecilia’s body, causing her to gasp. “A tiny little piece of you has been floating around in there long enough that it’s growing. Even if something happens to you, this...remnant would linger and fester, making her more like a mortal with every passing day.”

“Don’t,” Cecilia begged, her sightless eyes settling on Mike. “Don’t let her do it!”

“Disgusting.” The queen shook her head. “You see, I plan to let her leave with you, but not before I wipe her clean completely. She will be unharmed and intact, born anew and allowed to leave with you if she chooses. She will have no memory of you, or anything else for that matter, so she may decide to stay here with her mother.”

“You can’t do this,” Mike growled.

“And yet, I will.” The queen raised her hands as if to snap her fingers. “Out with the old, in with the new.”

Cecilia op