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“Why is that?”
I could feel the heat rising to my face. “A few different reasons,” I admitted. “My mother prefers for me to stay out of trouble.”
It was the truth, at least.
“Ah,” Alek’s father sighed. “So your mother is to blame here?”
“I wouldn’t say she’s—”
“Tell me about her, your mother.”
I risked another glance at Alek. This time, though, he stared back at me with his jaw set. I looked back down at my plate and willed the redness away from my cheeks. “What would you like to know?”
His father shrugged. “Alek tells me your mother is very strict. Are you two close? Does she approve of this relationship?”
When I glanced at him, a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He already knew the answer, he just wanted to hear me say it.
“My mother is very busy,” I stated. “We don’t have a lot of time to discuss personal life.”
“Meaning…?”
“Meaning she doesn’t know about the relationship, and I’m sure she would disapprove. It’s her nature.”
He nodded. “You’re lucky, you know. Us demons are very secluded creatures. If Alek were anyone else, I’m sure someone would have run off to her and told her all about your adventures by now.”
Panic began creeping up my back, tickling my neck.Deep breaths, Lyra. You already knew this.
“Yes, I suppose I am lucky.”
He eyed me carefully. “Tell me, what exactly would your mother do if she discovered this relationship between you two?”
Why was he asking? More red, blinding panic crept in. Faster this time. My oxygen began fading. “Um…”
Lie,I thought.They have no idea what she’ll actually do. They have no idea what she’s done in the past. He’s simply asking a question.
Lie, Lyra.
Images of chains and cement basements flashed through my mind. I knew what would happen. I would go back there. I would be forced back into those confines.
Alek’s foot tapped against mine under the table.
I looked to him, and his eyes were surprisingly soft.Answer the question, Lyra. They’re waiting.
“She would probably start keeping more tabs on me,” I said over the lump in my throat. “And she likely wouldn’t leave me alone anymore.”
His father laughed again, quieter this time. “Well, we can’t have that, can we? Who would keep Alek here out of trouble if you weren’t around?”
I forced a smile myself.
“And your mother,” he pushed, “why is it that she’s so strict?”
They don’t know,I reminded myself.They don’t know anything.
I shrugged. “I’m her only daughter. I’ve always assumed that’s the reason.”
I didn’t dare look at either of them. Why did he care? Why the interrogation about my mother?
He took another bite of meat. “Parents can be protective over their children, yes. But your situation seems unique. I’m sure there’s more reasoning than that.”
