Their voices were loud. Julian walked silently down the hallway. Neither would know he was there until he was ready for them to. “We have to do something to help Mother.” “Does Mother want us to help her?” Sebastian was less certain of their plan than Seth. “She chose Father.” “Under duress.” “Seth…” “We know she hates the ritual. It’s not something she’s ever pretended she thought was the right thing to do, but after the first time she felt as though she couldn’t say no.” Only it was more than that. The bond had an effect, even if Titus didn’t use it. Thaddeus’s choice was a mistake. “For us.”…