The Only Way
In the present, Zed lowered his hand. Ashlyn looked at him, her eyes filled with sadness as she realized what he meant by kindness being a facade.
Qazi and others used the naiveness of the children to exploit them. No, even if it was adults, they would have been fooled.
Because a kind exterior was the best scheming tool.
Ashlyn closed her eyes and recalled the man she cared most about - Kiba.
A week or so after they met in the forest, he had a nightmare and lost control of his powers. (Chapter 237).
During his nightmare, he had whispered about Zed:
"Zed... I'm so sorry... I will protect you until my final breath."
As she recalled Kiba's nightmare, Ashlyn felt the memories she saw might be the reason.
Perhaps Kiba was not there when his younger brother needed him the most?
She opened her eyes and looked back at Zed.
"What happened to Qazi and the doctor?" Ashlyn asked, finally breaking her silence.