"The Great One. Isabeau. She's who's after us."
Ron's words come out flat and even, like he isn't talking about the scariest person in his life. My heart clenches further at how he doesn't even have the freedom to be a scared child.
Granted, he's what… fifteen? Fourteen? I'm sure he doesn't want to break down in front of strangers.
But he should be able to, if he wanted.
"Lyre took care of her, I think. You should be safe now." She hadn't mentioned names or any real details, but I'm assuming the sanguimancer Lyre dealt with is the same as the monster Ron and the children are hiding from.
Caine gives a slight nod. "She did. I recall the name."
Ron shakes his head and looks back at the sleeping children. "She'll be back. She's been around for ages. Older than a witch's ti—uh." His face goes pink. "Older than your grandparents, even. Blood witches don't die easy. And she's got minions. It isn't safe."
"But Lyre said she killed her," I point out. "I thought—"
