“No,” she said immediately. “Ash is not a goddamn tool you can use.”
Ash reached for her. “It’s ok,” he said quietly. “I can handle it.”
The look she gave him faltered. Just a flicker of something raw appeared when she realised he meant it.
That this wasn’t sacrifice to him. It was routine.
“What?” he asked, genuinely puzzled.
Elliot looked at her then — really looked.
“This is my call, Seph,” Elliot said flatly.
She stared at him. “Then I want to talk to my father. Alone.”
“No.”
“Why not? Let me try!”
“He didn’t listen to you for 19 years, Seph. Why the hell would he listen to you now?” Sable growled.
Seph’s jaw tightened. “Because I’m not a child anymore.”
Sable laughed, sharp and humourless. “That’s exactly why he’ll never listen.”
Silence fell.
Elliot exhaled slowly. “This conversation is over.”
Seph opened her mouth as if to protest. Dev got there first.
“Why don’t we go to the training room and practise,” he said gently. “Get a breather.”
I watched them have an unspoken conversation with their eyes.
Finally, Seph stepped back. “Fine. Whatever.” She stood up.
“Seph.” Elliot said.
She paused, “What?”
“This is the right move. If this is a way you can help us, then – I’m glad you’re on our side.” Elliot said finally.
Her eyes narrowed, like she was about to refute it. Dev cleared his throat, warning her.
Seph glared at him, then nodded briskly, before swinging open the door and stomping outside.
I watched Dev follow her closely. The room emptied out until it was just Sable and me.
“She’s gotten feisty,” Sable said finally.
I laughed. “You have no idea.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“About what?”
“About Ash and Dev. The way they follow her like puppies,” she said.
