Brother No More (2)

"Astaroth killed me," Ashton revealed, his gaze shifting between the faces of those gathered. 

The revelation sent a shiver through the room, and Anna's grip on his hand tightened. Ava's eyes widened in disbelief, and Mazton's stoic expression wavered for a moment.

Astaroth and Ashton were like each others' shadows, so no one could believe what Ashton said. But his frail state was an alibi for his story.

While the revelation dumbfounded everyone, Ashton knew he had to keep pushing and tell everyone about Rood and probably a Xyran invasion of Earth. 

Although Ashton wasn't sure about it, Astaroth could easily manipulate the Xyrans to turn the tables on him and say it was Ashton who had betrayed them and not the other way around. 

Unfortunately, Ashton didn't know what Astaroth was capable of anymore, so he had to consider every scenario before acting on his emotions.