Now, standing before Esme, with the poison formula in his hands, he knew what had to be done. His mind was clear, perhaps for the first time in years. This woman, his second aunt, had haunted their lives long enough. If this poison was the answer, then so be it. What did it matter if it killed her? Perhaps this was the only way to end the nightmare once and for all. Without further hesitation, he set to work, crafting the poison Esme had given him, his heart steeled against any doubts.
It was the right solution.
"Because I trusted her!" Jay snapped, cutting him off. His voice was sharper than before, frustration of his own finally bubbling to the surface. "I didn't question it because I trusted her, okay? Esme has always been ten steps ahead of us. I thought she had her reasons."
Esme, watching the exchange with her usual composed expression, finally stepped forward. "Exactly," she said smoothly. "I always have my reasons."
