“Must be very urgent for you to come during the storms,” the woman said as she slowly walked through a dark hallway. “Mm,” Theo agreed whilst keeping to himself. She peered over at Theodore. “I know why you’re here, but . . Please reconsider,” she started with a halt to her steps. “Our children need him,” her pleads followed. “Take me in his stead . .”

Gravity shifted, pulling the world in circles around Theodore. Why would this woman offer her life in exchange for this horrible man he’d been informed about? It was said Ezra had many wives and tortured those who opposed him, even refusing to allow them death. Was this some kind of trick?

In a single motion, he held a sharp claw to her throat. “Don’t move,” Theodore threatened. “Don’t yell, or do anything.” Tears dripped onto his wrist before her shaky words followed, “Plea-” Theo cut her off with a snap as he pulled his hand away, “Let me think, damn it . .”

Before long, Theodore was sat on the floor with his head in his hands. Voices in his mind argued so loudly he couldn’t think. Visions of his late mother and sister broke through, pushing him over the edge. “STOP!” he screamed in panic as he started pulling on grouped strands of his own hair, managing to rip out some in a blind fit.

A soft, warm hand rested on his shoulder, bringing the silence back to his mind. Tears blurred his sight as he peered up at the woman. “Mother . .” he whined out. “It’s okay,” her soft voice spoke. She knelt down and wrapped Theodore into a hug. His heart skipped a beat, launching his consciousness into remission.

Sharp claws sunk into the woman’s back as Theo tightly embraced her. His tears streamed down between them as he laid his head against her shoulder. Sudden and shaky breaths spat out of the woman’s lips before low groaning followed. Confused, Theodore pulled himself back before seeing her face in anguish.