Page 65 of Dead Wrong

“They have found their role in our society,” replied Mother, her tone curt. “Just as we have.”

“And who tells them it’s their role to serve?” I asked, getting caught up on the flawed logic. Maybe it was Lynette’s presence, or perhaps the burning need to keep Azzy close by, but I would have never questioned Mother like this before. “Because you’ve always told us that our role is to lead, but what if there was something else we wanted to do?”

“Because that is what is expected of you,” Mother snaps. “Society guides the roles of each of its members?—”

“But you guide society,” Lynette interrupted. “You hold the power. If you wanted to, you could change things. Could make it so that the Unseen could do more?—”

“That is enough,” Mother cut Lynette off, the air growing heavy around us as power emanated from her. “You will sit down and cease these questions at once!”

The magic of her Command washed over me like a smothering wave of heat, spurring my body into motion as I straightened in my seat, my jaw clenched so hard that I was sure I would crack a tooth if I held much longer.

Lynette struggled against the Command, her ability to resist far greater than my own, but she, too, eventually succumbed to our mother’s wishes. Once silence fell over the room, Mother returned to the chalkboard.

“I don’t know where you are getting these impossible ideas from, but it is clear you’re your education must be amended. And I am just the person to take on the task.” She straightened her blazer, tugging on the ends and dusting off a bit of chalk. “Where was I? Ah, yes. My role as the leader of the Council means that I must make difficult decisions, as will you one day, Lynette. I have one of those decisions that needs to be made today. Would you like to hear what it is?”

I couldn’t open my mouth, so I nodded instead, but Lynette remained perfectly still, eyes staring daggers at our mother.

“Out there,” said Mother, pointing to the window. “Is a group of rebels who want to see nothing but the destruction of our way of life. These monsters would do harm to our family in the name of what they seek, and if they are not stopped, they will destroy everything we have worked for.

“And as if that wasn’t disturbing enough, I have been told that there is someone here in the chateau who wishes to align themselves with this cause. As the madame of this house, I have a duty to protect those who dwell here. So, what should be done about this most personal betrayal?”

The pressure holding my jaw shut slackened, but Lynette was the first to speak.

“Does it matter what we say? If you don’t agree, you’ll silence us again. Just like you do all the others.”

Mother exhaled an exasperated breath. “Lynette, one day you will stand in my place, and you will understand the weight of our charge. I only wish to prepare you for that moment.”

“Then listen to me, Mother. Please, at least consider the course of action.”

“What would you have me do, daughter?”

“Spare their life,” Lynette replied, standing from her seat. Mother loomed over her like a mountain, but she didn’t falter. “Show mercy. Try and speak with them, to understand what it is that drives them away. Then you can make your decision.”

Mother pondered Lynette’s words for a moment her arms crossed as she shuffled her weight from one foot to the other. Was she actually considering it?

“What of you, Tobias?”

I flinched at the mention of my name, looking up to find both of them staring.

“M-Me?”

“Yes, you. What would you have me do with this dangerous individual? Tell me, would you feel safe walking the halls of your home if you knew someone could be lurking behind every corner, just waiting to slip a knife into your back?”

I shook my head. “I don’t want to be afraid.”

“Ah,” Mother cooed, leaving Lynette’s side to come and crouch beside me so she was at eye level. “You’ve stumbled on something, Tobias. Therein lies the solution.”

“What solution?” I asked.

“Fear. It is a powerful tool. Used correctly, it can inspire even the most devout rebels to abandon their ideals.”

“But, Mother,” Lynette started, but she faltered as Mother rose once again to her full height.

“I will take your counsel into consideration, children. Lynette, you have my word that the individual’s life will be spared. At least, I will not order it to be taken from them. And Tobias, I will make sure that the ideals which radicalized them are dismantled from the ground up, even if I must tear them from their mind bit by bit.”

Lynette turned to me, a look of horror on her face.

Mother clapped her hands, her lips curling into a cruel smile. “A wonderful lesson, children.”

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