Twenty-Nine
He steps wordlessly into the house without greeting Gerta or even looking at her. Gerta grunts her disapproval but says nothing as she closes the door. Blaiz’s eyes are furious, his fists clenched. He scans the room, the vein twitching in his temple, until his gaze lands on Solma and Warren.
“Everyone out,” he says, voice dangerously quiet.
Gerta begins to protest. “This is my home—”
“And my village,” Blaiz interrupts, “so get out.”
Gerta glares but does as she’s told, hobbling to the door and holding it open while Gracie wakes Piotr and helps him out. They both cast fearful glances at Blaiz as they pass. Solma feels a thrill of irritation at the way they look at him. But watching him now, commanding a room with such selfish ease, she wonders why. Somewhere in the back of
