Blackwater Islands thorn

the demon fell away and in its place a child, wavering, weak.
vulnerable. hadn't blossom been like this when the witch threatened them both? and lestan very much wanted to hate them, hate them as his voice had implied.
their wails tore at his ears.
"how do i know y-you're not lying?" he growled, tearing his eyes away and back to the witch; sides heaving.