Page 144 of Monster's Claim

On the other side of the kitchen, Quill has paused in his ladling of the porridge. He turns around at the sound of my voice, then freezes when he takes in what I can only assume is my very shocked expression. A moment later, he’s crossing the room, grabbing me and holding me in his arms as I answer.

“Who is this?”

“Are you Aurora Moretti?” insists the voice.

I lick my very dry lips. I have no idea what to answer. I don’t see what the voice on the other end of the line could be if not a threat. I should deny it.

But if she’s calling me, she probably already knows. Is there really any use in denying it?

I have no idea what to do. Finally, I say, “That depends on who’s asking. Who areyou?”

I wait with bated breath. And then I feel myself grow faint with actual shock when the voice answers, “I’m Lia Moretti. Your mother.”

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