Without any warning, Zeno's hand went to the old man's neck, tightening around it.
"You should be exterminated," he muttered.
Master As looked up at him with calm eyes.
"No human should know about us," Zeno muttered.
Instead of shrinking back, the old man leaned in closer, his white brows furrowing in sympathy rather than defiance. "Come on. Do it. I'm old. I don't have much time left on Earth anyway. And like I said, I'm ready to die in peace."
Zeno didn't budge. His hand remained in place, but it didn't tighten at all. His heart was steady but conflicted.
"I knew you wouldn't be able to," Master As said softly. "You're a good one. I can tell. Your soul is old, but it doesn't contain evil."
"I am evil," Zeno said. "You don't know the things I've done."
"I don't," Master As replied, simply. "But I also know you didn't have a choice. Otherwise, your own life—maybe your entire existence—would be in jeopardy."
Zeno's eyes narrowed. "You know, even about that?"
