Helen's expression shifted slightly.
"I saw your face when she came through that door. You weren't happy to see her. You weren't comfortable with her. So I don't understand why you're suddenly supposed to leave with her."
I stood up, unable to remain seated any longer.
"I'm not going to allow that to happen."
"Alexander," Helen said.
"I mean it," I said.
I began pacing slowly across the room.
"If she thinks she can just show up here and take you away because you're her daughter, she's wrong."
Helen watched me.
"I'll face her pack myself if I have to. I'll tell them you're not going anywhere."
I stopped and looked at her.
"You're my mother."
My voice cracked slightly, but I ignored it.
"And the only place you've called home for as long as I've known you is Blood Crescent. You'v
