From You

Hours, days, weeks ago, Ciaran would have been gratified to see the hesitation that crossed his father’s face, but knowing now that Eoghan was persisting with his hatred with all this energy even though he wasn’t sure Ciaran was a monster was infuriating.

“You were born half monster, but I kept the monster at bay,” Eoghan said.

Ciaran’s hands curled into fists to smother fireballs before they could blossom. “If I’m half monster, then the monstrous half I inherited was from you!”

And then Deagan said, gently and low, “Ciaran, we need fire if we’re going to eat. Come on.”