Page 26 of The Other Omega

“What is the likelihood of a relapse if she doesn’t take the suppressants again?” Cedric asked.

“Very low,” Samir said.

Mireya turned towards him. “Samir, with all due respect, you don’t have twenty-five years of experience in the field. You may have completed a Medical Master Apprenticeship, but⁠—”

“Am I incorrect?”

Mireya fell silent before answering. “No. But⁠—”

“Then the risk is very low.”

“Yes.”

I slowly pulled away from Eleanor’s arms and looked between Mireya and Samir. Something had shifted between them. I couldn’t name it, but I could scent it.

Mireya cleared her throat. “Very well. We’ll continue.” She leaned over and removed the scanner from my arm, and the holographic display vanished. “I’d like to ask you a series of questions now, Elowen.”

She smiled, and a chill ran down my spine. I knew that smile; Jimmy had worn it time and time again. Some things you never forget.

I nodded.

“Let’s begin with your place of birth.”

“Kharith.” I gave her a wobbly smile.

Mireya blinked, confusion flickering across her face. Her gaze moved to Eleanor, then to the men before returning to me. She shifted in her chair.

“You needn’t concern yourself with giving the answers you believe your parents wish to hear, Elowen. You’re free to speak truthfully here. Nothing you say will be held against you. On the contrary, every honest answer will help us understand what has happened to you.”

I nodded. “I understand.”

She adjusted the pad in her hand. “Very well. Let’s begin again.”

I took a deep breath and squeezed Eleanor’s hand.

“Go on, my sweetling.”

Mireya looked at me. “Tell me your place of birth.”

“I don’t remember.”

Her gaze lifted from the pad. “That’s not what you told me during our last assessment, Elowen. You spoke of England.”

I nodded. “I think I remember most of the things I told you.”

“Good. What do you remember of England?”

“Nothing.”

Mireya blinked. “You remember telling me about England, yet you remember nothing of England itself?”

“I remember telling you about something called England, but I don’t know why I said it. I don’t remember being there. I can’t even picture it.”

My heart beat so hard I could feel it against my ribs, and fear of being found out seeped into my scent. I looked towards Samir. “Does that mean I’m getting worse?”

“No. Nothing we’ve seen today suggests deterioration.”

Mireya studied me. “And your sisters? You told me they’d been left alone without you. Do you remember how concerned you were for them?”