37
What We Protect
“Mother?” Kian asked when Kael emerged from Yseult’s hut. He’d been waiting. Kael had been in there forever.
“Resting.” Kael didn’t stop. He continued on, away, heading in the direction of the river.
Kian matched his pace. “Us?”
“Lost. You.”
“How?”
Kael came to a stop. He inhaled roughly. “You lied. The girl.”
Kian’s heart leapt. There was no use in denial. “Yes.”
“To protect.”
“No!” Kian moved around to the front of his brother. “Yes. To protect. Her.”
“Is before. Eavan.”
Kian scoffed. He switched to speaking like a man. He’d grown used to it, perhaps even fond of it, since having men among them. “No. Not the same. I was young then. Caught in the web of my youthful foolishness. I am not him now.”
“To speak like them?” Kael sneered. “You wish this? Fine.”
“
