Blackfeather Woods He hurt him away

There was no telling what sort of feelings Alexander's reaction brought up in Cicero, for they were so very mingled. It was good to know one need only pull the strings to see someone else jump away like a frightened cat at your very command. The puppet master in him was satisfied, yet it was that part of him that also frightened him. Cicero did not show any feelings, just staring. He picked up only one notable word from all that the boy spoke — her — and thought to Scarlett, thinking it was she that he meant. He had liked Scarlett, despite or perhaps because of the softness of who she was at her core.

Yet there was little time for sentiment. Cicero said, realising Alexander's mind was set; "It is a shame," the disappointment audible in his voice. Then he turned away from the scene, knowing there was little more to add. He vanished back into the shadows and slunk away through the forest, feeling strangely empty in the wake of Xan's departure.