ADMIRABLE

Mark turned back to meet my darkening gaze. “It’s very relevant. I’m not going to force anyone to do something they don’t want to, but if there’s any hope of saving this House and the good people still left here, this is the time to do something. I don’t imagine, after having his son taken, that jack will continue with his mission for much longer unless he has any reason to hope this mess is almost over.”

“If Jack doesn’t want to lead, then why has he been doing this?” I asked. Though I’d also be asking Jack, regardless of how Mark answered.

“From what I know, he was just doing his best to protect his family,” he answered. “Not many of the Houses are allowing any of Fire and Fluorite members refuge in case there’s backlash from whoever becomes the new leader. Jack had no choice but to stay here, hiding or fighting back. Clearly, we all know which he chose.”

Clearly.

A decision I could respect, but what did that mean for Elena, and what did she think about everything Mark had just said