Page 234 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“I don’t know.”

She had a low-grade fever and was very pale. She trembled and sweated as if she had the flu. Tom promised to stay with her while Aaron was out of town. The day Aaron left, she fell asleep.

She dreamed strange dreams. Of silky beaches and men in white tunics. Of Devin and Alex. Of California and Germany. She floated on a cloud over the earth as it spun round beneath her.

Kurt walked into the library where Alex was studying, his face pale. Alex had done his best to make amends, but Kurt wanted nothing to do with his brother, except to fight. There had been multiple instances of physical fights between them, hidden from their father’s knowledge—or at least, Alex hoped Vati didn’t know. They hadn’t spoken kindly to one another in nearly two months, except for the occasional forced politeness during conversations with Vati.

“Kurt? What’s wrong?”

“Tommy called. It’s Anna.”

Alex shoved the Elder Tome away and stood. “What happened?”

“She’s sick.”

Alex frowned. “That’s not possible.”

“His dad says it’s because she’s moved away from her Master.”

Alex fell back into his seat. Of course. Why hadn’t he thought about this before? She was away from Devin. Alex was stuck in his father’s house. She was a runaway slave. Of course, there would be consequences. He stared at the ancient script he’d been deciphering. He had worked day and night and was almost finished with the entire book. Unfortunately, he’d learned nothing useful. There were many disgusting rituals that had been used in the past to gain control of the Immortals, their daughters, and sometimes even fellow humans. Devin had obviously studied this book thoroughly.

But there was nothing on how to break the bond between slave and Master. Nothing about how to free Anna from his and Devin’s control. Nothing about how to free an Elder-Mistress.

He sighed and looked up at his brother. “Did you already tell Vati?”

Kurt shook his head and walked away. Alex tilted his head. Kurt had come to him before going to their father?

Alex jumped to his feet and hurried to catch up with his brother in the hallway. “Kurt, I?—‍”

Kurt stopped abruptly and turned around, his eyes filled with sorrow. “I know you and Anna belong together. I understand why things never worked out between her and me.” He grimaced. “It’s just... I love her too.” He squinted. “I gave up everything for her. For the damn Brotherhood.”

Alex sighed and nodded. “I know you have. And I am so grateful. You’ve done your best with everything.” He stepped closer and Kurt didn’t back away like he had been doing. “Soon you’ll have your life back and you can find someone special. Someone only for you.”

Kurt shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Who could compare to Anna?”

Alex gave a small shrug. “I know.”

Kurt laughed. “Maybe I should do what Aaron did and try men.”

Alex’s brows shot up and he stared at his little brother. “Are you?—‍”

Kurt snorted. “Nah. I like women. But the look on your face...” He chuckled and turned away, his shoulders shaking with laughter.

Alex jumped on his back, and the two fell on the floor laughing.

“What on earth?”

Looking up, Alex and Kurt were met with the sight of their father’s intense stare, his eyes wide with suspicion.

“We’re not fighting, Vati,” Alex said, wiping the tears of laughter from his face. “Your son is...” He shook his head and looked at Kurt. “How long have you been planning that?” He stood and held out his hand to help Kurt to his feet.

Kurt shrugged. “Just came to me.”

Vati raised his brows. “So, you two have worked things out?”

Alex glanced at Kurt, who nodded. “Yes, Vati.”

“About damn time.” Vati shook his head and walked away.

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