His mother blinked, her eyes glazed and distant.
“The woman who didn’t listen to you. Who was she?”
“Deborah was her name.”
Petra staggered back a step and breathed out, “My mother.”
“She was stubborn. Wouldn’t listen to a word I said. She went crazy, yelling, searching the house.” Sawsan wrapped her arms around Sami’s neck. “She found you and . . . and threatened to offer you to them. I had to do it, son. I had no choice.”
Sami could stomach it no longer. He nestled his mother in his arms. “What did you have to do?” His voice shook.
“I gave them—” Sawsan loosened her locked arms and rested her cheek on his chest, “this girl, instead.”
Petra drew a deep breath. “Who’s them, Mrs. Amara?”
“I told you! The Watchers.” Sawsan pulled away from Sami and dropped onto the couch. “But I coul
