Tahla stormed into Zorah’s log-house, slamming the door heavily shut behind her. Her eyes immediately found Azran huddled on a low stool by the fire and she marched over in her anger, making the boy flinch at the frown etched on his mother’s face. He had never had such anger directed at him before and he was frightened. Her hand clamped down on his small shoulders and shook him. The boy’s breath came in rapid pants in his fear.
“Why?!” she shouted, her voice echoed in the quiet house. “I told you to stay put until I came for you. I told you to stay away! Why did you show yourself?!”
The boy flinched again, his wide eyes filling with tears instantly as he shook in her arms. “I… I wanted to protect you,” he stammered, his voice breaking. “I wanted to keep you safe, Mama. I was scared the b
