177 Truth, Finally

ETAN

Etan tried to take a deep breath, but the pressure on his neck barely let him suck enough air to keep himself conscious.

"Are you certain?" Falek muttered. "Sometimes the kindest thing to do to a dog is put it down."

Etan bared his teeth, but knew he couldn't start fighting with the man when he was so close to being released. So he just glared, and waited. 

Ayleth waited a couple more breaths, but then she nodded. "Yes, I'm certain. Leave us. Both of you. Leave us to speak in private."

"No." Borsche said quickly.

"Absolutely not." Falek snarled.

Etan wasn't surprised, but he was frustrated, the back of his mind trilling with fear that Ayleth could die at any moment if her mother chose to take the action she'd threatened.