Have you ever killed someone? Ram hadn’t been expecting that question. He had just escaped and what little context he had for his (and all of Changelingkind) experience was pretty limited. That the one asking the question could probably read his desires didn’t help. At All. Nor did the spotlight singling him out. What was this? A movie?

Spit flecked into his eye as he was asked again “Have you ever killed someone?!”

His wrists flexed against the rope that held him. The fibers frayed and tore against his skin. Over the years he had learned where things were at their weakest. If he wanted, he could press his finger into stone as if it were sand. A talent he would later learn was called a blessing by most other Changelings. Something he would come to accept.

“Have you ever killed someone?!” the voice demanded. By more than mortal fervor. The majesty of his inquisitor demanded an answer and the Render couldn’t hide from Summer’s light.

“Yes!!” he bellowed “And I’d shrivel his balls just like yours the sun!”

Ram’s body clenched, waiting the punishment from his Keeper. Yet nothing came. Nothing but the chiming laughter of his captors. His people. His Freehold.