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With the added light, I scan the room in search of something I can use as a weapon against him, my heart rising up into my throat when I catch sight of the capsules at the opposite side of the room. Eyes fixated on them, I pad carefully toward where my mother and Grant float, suspended in fluids, a mask covering their faces, just like others.

Tears gather in my eyes as I approach the two of them, who appear to be sleeping.

“What have you done?”

“It’s been hell for them since you left. The community frowns upon anyone who attacks a man of the cloth. Including the family of said attacker.”

“Why are they here?”

“They were exiled. I brought them here to give them a chance at survival.”

“What have you done to them?”

“Nothing yet. They’re merely sedated, at the moment.”

I exhale a relieved sigh, catching a quick glimpse of my mother. “What is it you want with me?”

“I want all manner of things with you. As it happens, I’m in love with you, Thalia. I have been for many years. And with the scarcity of women these days, I’m not ashamed to admit I laid claim to you when you were quite young. No more than a child.”

The thought of such a thing stirs a sickness in my stomach. “That’s why you killed my father.”

“No. Your father was a power move. A means for me to get ahead.”

“And this?” I lift my gaze to my mother’s face, so innocent and calm, absent of the usual lines of worry.

“This is another power move. It seems you command the Alphas better than I ever could. Tell him to stand down. To surrender himself. And I will release your mother and brother.”

“Who?” I ask.

“Don’t play games. I know of the Alpha you’ve taken up with.”

“I don’t know where he is.”

“You’re lying. Have you forgotten that I know when you’re lying, Little Mouse?”

There was a time the nickname was endearing, but now I realize the meaning behind it. I’ve always been the bait. The food for the snake.

“Even if I knew, I wouldn’t surrender to you.”

At a hard thunk against the door, I snap my attention to where the metal has bent, taking the form of a deformed claw.

Oh, no. Atticus.

“I told you they weren’t to be underestimated. We’ve made them stronger. Faster. And it won’t be long before they break through that door. There is an out, though. Come to me, and I’ll ensure your safety.”

Another thunk, and the dent takes on a new form, its contour cast deeper into the metal. Another thunk follows that. And another. Through the window, I can see the bald crowns of three mutations scrambling at the door.

“Those doors are fire rated and strong, but they were not designed to hold back three creatures at the same time. Come with me. I’ll take you back to Szolen, and we can have a beautiful life together. I’m certain your mother would bless our union.”

A familiar repulsion bubbles up from the pit of my gut, his voice sounding too much like Remus’s. “Fuck you.”

“As I said … predictable.”

Movement beside me draws my attention to the capsules, where my mother and Grant twitch and writhe in the water. Swirls of red cloud their eyes and nose, pouring out from the top of the mask at their faces. Red ribbons of blood dancing through the water.

Fear vibrates inside my chest. “What’s going on? What are you doing?”

“I’m told the poison works in a matter of seconds. As I understand, it causes total organ shutdown.”