He pressed the blades against Mama and Papa’s skin again, and this time, he drew blood.

“What are you doing?” Sora said. “We surrendered. You have to let my parents go.”

Emperor Gin clucked his tongue. “The Society raised you naive, too. Glass Lady really was a weak commander.”

All the blood drained from Hana’s face. She materialized and stretched her hand toward him. “Your Majesty, stop!”

But the emperor was already slashing his knife across Mama’s throat.

“No!” Hana fell to her knees.

Mama’s eyes went still with the shock. Blood gushed from her neck.

Sora lunged for her, but the chains jerked her violently back into place.

“I love you . . . ,” Mama choked out, sounding like herself again, as if the blow of the knife had sliced away Zomuri’s influence.

Then her gaze turned desperate, searching for something important in the mere seconds she knew she had left.

Her eyes settled on Hana.

“My daughter,” she whispered, blood gurgling over the words. “My lost love.”

It was the last thing Mama said. Her body stilled, soaked in its own blood.

Hana’s hands flew to her mouth. “Oh gods. Mama . . .”

“Mina!” Papa cried. Whether it was irrationality caused by Zomuri’s influence or Papa’s own state of shock, he grabbed the blade at his throat with his bare hands and wrenched himself free. Emperor Gin merely laughed. Papa fell over Mama’s body, oblivious to his bloodied hands. He cradled her in his arms and wept hysterically. “My darling, my darling, my darling . . .”

Sora crumpled, and this time, the chains allowed it. She fell in a heap on the ground.

Daemon let out a plaintive howl. Fairy clutched his fur, real tears brimming over now.

“I didn’t know you were here,” the emperor said to Hana. “I’m sorry you had to see this. But you understand, don’t you?”

Hana didn’t respond. She teetered where she stood.

“Virtuoso!”

Her head snapped up.

“Did you hear me, or do I need to compel you?” Emperor Gin asked. “I’m sorry you had to see this, but I need you to look me in the eye and let me know you’re still with me. This storyteller was your mother by blood only, but I raised you and made you who you are.”

Hana trembled, unable to tear her eyes away from Mama’s lifeless body.

The emperor grabbed Hana by the collar of her tunic. “This woman was only one person, and one person is nothing compared to the greatness we are going to achieve for the kingdom. Do you understand? Are you with me?”