"If we disappear, you can go back to your old life."
Ulrich stared at her.
"Leave where?" He asked.
Hermione opened her mouth.
Then stopped.
"S—Somewhere," she whispered. "We will find somewhere."
"You have nowhere to go."
Ulrich said bluntly
Blunt enough to make Esther's shoulders shake.
Ulrich continued.
"You do not belong anywhere outside these walls."
Hermione's hands tightened into fists.
"The covens will use you."
His eyes moved to Airam.
"Libra will use you. Or will kill you, which is likely the case."
Then to Hermione.
"Your father will use you."
Then to Esther.
"Everywhere else, you will spend your lives hiding. You will live in fear of being found. You will be hunted by people who want your power, your blood, or both."
The three sisters stood in silence.
Ulrich's voice lowered slightly.
"The only place you have right now is here."
His gaze did not soften, but something in it changed.
"Here, you have a name. A name I gave you."
Esther's lips trembled.
