Niko’s mother took one look at him before wrapping her arms around him. “What’s wrong? What’s happened?”
“He’s gone. I told him about me, about what I am, and he ran.” Niko smiled sadly. “Literally ran, as fast as possible. Two days ago.”
“Have you looked for him?” Étienne asked, putting his arm around Niko’s shoulders when Jelena stepped back.
“No, Dad. What’s the use? He hates me now. No, maybe not hates. He’s terrified of me and I can’t blame him for that.”
“Surely he realizes it’s only a part of who you are,” Jelena said. “He knows you, the man, and loves you. He has to realize you’re the same person, no matter what form you take.”
“Somehow I doubt it. He watched me shift and the look of terror…Gods, I hope I never have to see that again. It tore me apart.”
“Of course it did. He’
