That beast was the reason Helena had been afraid.
Aveline still did not understand why it had wanted the baby so badly. It felt wrong in a way she could not name; something dark, something hollowed out by murderous instinct alone.
It had killed Helena. It had tried to kill Theron. If she let it go now, it would only find other innocents to destroy. The baby would never be safe
And she could not allow that.
She no longer thought about its size or the fear it had filled her with only moments ago. Her chest already ached with grief for Helena, the motherly creature who had died trying to protect her child. Helena must have brought her here for a reason. She must have believed Aveline could protect them both.
She had already failed Helena. She would not fail the baby.
