Chapter 56: Double Cross
Didi chokes on a response, the last thing she expected walking in here like this with these two-yes, Jackus is with her, the ruddy bastoplast-smiling at her like she's their next meal. She needs to run, to turn and leave as fast as she can but her boots feel rooted into the stone tiles of the polished floor, her body frozen by utter confusion.
She's lost and it's her own fault for trusting Elian.
Except, the instant Murta makes a move toward Didi, the floor length Homesteader coat odd on her short, round body, Lilas steps in front of the girl and uses her own body as a barrier while Elian's face creases in anger.
"Time for you to go." He circles his desk, motioning for the Underlord who kidnapped Didi's dad and set all this horribleness in motion to leave. Didi can't fathom it, peeks around Lilas's arm to see the look of utter disbelief on Murta's withered face, how her wrinkled hands clutch angrily at the brim of her dusty hat.