Charlotte left with Quaid, Sage accompanying her. I considered staying behind to talk to Oleksander, but he and Olena disappeared inside with Mom and a few other of the leaders, so I let him go. I'd pop back in a few days, show my support and see if there was anything else I could do.
Charlotte's mind reached for mine as Enforcer fire engulfed their little group. He's my brother, she sent, without apology. We did the right thing.
I let her go, too, Femke at my side. When they disappeared, I turned to her with a small sigh I couldn't contain.
"I'll do everything I can for him," she said, keeping her voice low. "Now that we know he wasn't in full control."
And yet, the pressure of the thrall was so subtle we all missed it. Which made me wonder just how small a push Danilo needed to do what he'd done.