Noctisardor Bypass Blasé and lucky tonight,

Her heart had hardened against Mahler long ago. Hearing that he’d never bothered mentioning Rivenwood after his desertion should not have surprised Druid, though the callousness still rankled even after all this time. She couldn’t help the hollow bark of laughter that escaped her at Anselm’s simple demand.

Noting the “please,” her voice was incredulous but soft as she answered, I can’t explain it, Anselm. How can a man just turn his back on his family, walk out on all of it one day without a word? Of course, your mother was part of it. I could believe it of her… but Mahler? Druid shook her head. It was egregiously out of character for him. And yet, he did it. During a great time of need, he just abandoned us to our fate.

Her tail switched of its own volition. Druid drew in a steadying breath. Her eyes narrowed a little as she studied Anselm’s face, wondering what he’d say in response. Her mouth watered as another lurch of nausea twisted her innards.

Mahler taught me a hard life lesson that day. When someone shows you who they really are, believe them the first time. I don’t speak ill of your father for the fun of it, Anselm, but because if he was capable of that, he was a monster all along.