They both stopped talking and looked round at her. Helly looked worried. Vlad had blood on his hands, too, which he quickly hid.

"...What happened?" Liya said, as Helly turned and came over to her, setting down what ne had been carrying. Ne knelt and took hold of her hands.

"Liya," ne began gently. At this, she immediately recoiled, panic washing over her at nir tone.

"N-no--"

"Listen to me, now," ne said calmly. "Your brother Hawk is here."

Liya froze, staring at nem in disbelief. She said nothing, so ne continued.

"He's been injured, and he looks rather...different. This isn't how we planned for you to find out, but we just want to prepare you--"

Liya suddenly found her voice again, though now tears were welling up in her eyes. "S-stop it," she said.

"Liya--"

"I said stop it," she said, louder, but Helly wouldn't.

"Now Liya, I know this is a shock, but you must--"

"STOP IT!!" she shouted.