How long has he known? Did he always know? Is that why he went to such lengths with Raizo to buy me?
How did I not recognize him as Demyen’s father?!
A thought suddenly occurs to me. A theory, really. I’ve never actually seen the symbol Master branded me with—not in its entirety or on purpose, since I’ve usually done my best to avoid acknowledging it.
Now, I need to see it. I need to see what’s been permanently seared into my skin by the Zakrevsky patriarch who wholeheartedly, with every fiber of his being, believes I’m personally responsible for Tolya’s incarceration.
I roll off the bed and yank the closet door open so I can use the dressing mirror to get a good look. Or at least, a good enough glance. I rip the bandages off and peer hard at the rippled flesh beneath my buttock.
I ca
