Zebriks POV
I nodded at Noah, giving him the signal to begin. He focused on Mason, whose shoulders hunched under the pressure.
“You're scared,” Noah said gently, his voice calm, like coaxing a skittish animal. “Not just for yourself, but for the others. You're not evil. You’re scared. You think this is the only way to protect your friends.”
Mason’s chin trembled, but he didn't speak. His hands fidgeted in his lap, fighting the restraints. Abby’s golden eyes flickered again.
“I can hear them, Mason. The thoughts you don't want anyone to know. I can hear him.”
The boy flinched.
“I know about Laurence.”
His head shot up so fast it nearly knocked the chair over.
“No—no, you don’t!” he shouted, his voice cracking. “You don’t know anything!”
“I know he made you think hurting people was
