She hesitated, not sure how to feel about his tone. “He’s their father.”

“He wasn’t chosen. The blood that runs through his veins doesn’t change what he is.”

“And what is he?”

“Ask yourself how he came to be inside Haven Valley. How has he survived so long? And why is the boy unharmed? Then you will know what he is.”

A Fury. But she couldn’t see the Fury in the boy. How could something so innocent be so evil?

“I don’t think you understand the way evil works, dear Rose.”

“I do,” Rose said. “But he’s a dying old man.”

His eyes narrowed. “If you knew how evil worked, righteous rage would replace your pathetic human sentiments.”

“The boy is just a child who . . .”

His hand flashed, slapping her cheek with an open palm before she saw it moving. The force of his blow snapped her head sideways. Tears sprang to her eyes.

She stood stunned for a long moment, fingers trembling, trying to understand Sylous’s actions. He’d never dealt a blow to her before. She wouldn’t have even considered him capable of such a thing.

He reached up, slid his hand behind her neck, and pulled her ear close to his lips. She could feel his hot breath against her skin.

“Have you become so full of yourself and the power I’ve given you that you think you understand better than I? That you could see better than I?”

“No . . . No, please.”

“I realize this show of force is unsettling to you, but the wrath of God is designed to get your attention. Do not forget that you’re alive today because of me. Do not think you can survive without my protection and guidance. Doubting God and his servant will seal your fate.”

He released his grip and calmly clasped his hands behind his back. Rose stumbled back, gasping. She was afraid to look him directly in the eye, but also afraid to tear her eyes away from him.

“Fear me alone,” Sylous said in a soothing voice, “and I will always protect you.”

Rose swallowed, bottom lip trembling. “I will never stop fearing you.”

His face softened and he spoke in the gentle voice she’d grown so accustomed to. “I’m sorry I had to do that to you. But fear has its reward.”

She tried to calm her breathing, mind still reeling.

“Try to understand, my love,” he said, reaching his hand up to gently wipe away her tears.

The moment his skin touched hers, the terror building in her chest began to ease, sedated by her deep longing for him, her desire to feel him close.

“I must protect Haven Valley from the deception that would consume it, however loving or kind it might appear at first,” Sylous said. “The fate of humanity depends on it.”

“And I am your servant,” Rose replied, melting into his touch.

“The intruders must be dealt with.”