Before the silence could stretch too long, Eliot spoke up, his voice tight with worry.
"Mom, are you okay ? Did they hurt you ?"
Austin shook her head. "I'm fine."
The gas was still messing with her. Her arms felt heavy, and her head was spinning a bit. But she kept it to herself. The kids had seen enough.
"Austin, we can't just let them walk away from this!" Lucy said, her jaw tight.
Austin took a steady breath. "Where's Elena ?"
"She went to get Kaius. Should be bringing him here any second."
Austin's face fell. Her eyes narrowed.
It was bad enough the boys had followed her. Sending Elena to find Kaius ? That crossed a line.
"You all need to hide. Kaius can't see you here."
Leo's voice cut through, quiet but piercing.
"Mom... are you ashamed of us ?"
