Sadie’s POV
"The trees beyond the fence aren't fond of you," Lily said.
My stomach sank. "Lily–"
"Don't worry about it," Taylor said, his tone nearly tender. Nearly. "Why do you say that?"
Lily pursed her lips, thinking. "Because they grow quiet whenever you're around. Quieter than usual. They're afraid of you."
Taylor made no sign of acknowledgment. None that I could see. But I was close enough to feel the thump in his throat – just one heartbeat, swiftly suppressed.
"They don't fear me," he said. "They respect me."
"Same difference," Lily said, with the deadly reasoning of a child.
A noise came from Taylor's mouth — not laughter but almost, the briefest sign of warmth since he returned to my life. Then, his mask snapped back into place.
"You have a very observant child," he said
