I heard the sharp click of a trigger being pulled back.
“No!” I screamed, jumping out of the back of the truck. “Mother, stop!”
Everyone turned toward me.
“Seph, no!” Kieran shouted in horror.
I ran straight toward them, throwing myself between the guns and their bodies. I squeezed my eyes shut.
“Seph,” Kieran rasped.
“Shut up!” I hissed, turning on him. “You do not get to die for me.”
“Lower your weapons!” Georgina cried immediately. “Persephone!”
I glared at her, at the fake concern in her eyes.
Dev was shaking his head. “Seph, you idiot!” he muttered. He was bracing himself, as if he was trying to stop from running for me.
I ignored him and focussed on my mother. “I am here. You can take me, I won’t fight you. But you will leave them alone. All of them.”
“Persephone.”
I carefully removed my gloves and threw them to the ground. “Try me.”
I could feel my power churning beneath my skin, waiting to be let loose. Mother didn’t know I didn’t need to touch any more. I could just take.
And I would if they hurt even one hair on the heads of my men.
A hand clutched my booted ankle.
I glanced down and saw Ash, barely awake, staring up at me.
“Stop.”
I straightened, keeping my hands held out in front of me. The guards hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances.
Mother’s gaze dropped to my bare skin.
She took a step back.
“I’m not here to hurt you, my dear,” she said, trying to smile. “I just want to take you home, love.”
But the endearment fell like stone.
“Home? What home, mother? My cell, you mean?”
“Don’t be dramatic, dear,” Georgina said carefully, watching me like I might strike at any moment. “You knowIhave never once hurt you. And think about poor Beth. She misses you terribly.”
I almost laughed.
“I’m sure she and you will survive. Let go of my men.”
I met her eyes.
“Now.”
“Yourmen?” Georgina shook her head. “Honestly, Persephone. You are being ridiculous. And running around with Equinox– “
