She had a natural ability to overhear the thoughts of other immortals on the farm. Cain knew of only one other female in possession of such a refined skill, but she was much older and, therefore, her ability was likely the result of age. Gracie was still in her twenties, and her capabilities were that of a mature immortal.
“Cain thinks Uncle Isaiah’s still alive, possibly living in the nearby woods,” Adam explained.
Gracie stood and naturally took over the cooking from Annalise. She removed the roast from the oven, slicing the meat with practiced ease. “How nearby?”
“There have been reports in the English news of six murders in the forests surrounding Jim Thorpe.”
His sister’s hand stilled, the knife slightly trembling. “Females?”
Cain nodded. “Mortals. The bodies were all…” He opened his mind and Gracie gasped.
“The last woman had children?”
“Two.”
“The Council has to do something. They can’t let this go on.”
For the next hour, Cain told his siblings everything he found in the woods and all his theories. Unlike the stuffy, old Council, his family actually believed him.
Anna’s eyes widened. “Do you think there will be more before they catch him?”
If it was an immortal out there, catching it was out of the question. For the safety of The Order, the creature needed to be destroyed.
“I think there have already been more,” Cain said, remembering the traces of human hair and strange prints he found. “I don’t have much faith in English law. Their tracking skills are too dependent on technology. That won’t work when hunting a wild animal. And, if it’s really Uncle Isaiah, he’s been out there for eighty years, he knows how to survive, and he’s been killing the entire time.”
“How could The Council ignore this?” Gracie asked, offended. “Grandfather has to demand some form of action. What if the English catch him and discover what he is?”
“Grandfather’s outnumbered. None of The Elders appeared overly concerned. Sad to say, but Larissa’s absence has taken up more of their attention lately than anything else.”
“That’s ridiculous. They should leave Larissa alone. Dumb, old Silus needs to find someone else to boss around.”
“Grace,” Adam warned. “Do not involve yourself in their marital business.”
“And why not? She’s our sister, Adam. She ran away for a reason. Silus is a grumpy old toad who never smiles or laughs. I’m not even sure he has teeth.”
“It’s not your business, and it’s against Family Law to involve yourself in another’s marriage.”
“I hate that law,” Annalise commented, shoveling a bite into her mouth.
“That law protects you, ainsicht.”
“No, Adam, that law protects men who are bad husbands from having to answer for their actions. It’s irresponsible and should be revised.”
“And how would you feel if The Council was allowed to decide such rules for us? Would that make you feel safer? I assure you, they’d object to the way I allow you to run around with your hair uncovered and the music I permit in this house.”
“Allow? Really, Adam?”
Cain laughed. “Now you’ve done it, brother. Always so smooth with the ladies.”
He scowled at Cain and turned back to his wife. “Yes, allow. I’m your husband and, therefore, the head of this family. My word is law. You agreed to that when you married me.”
“Let’s not talk about promises we made at our wedding.” She pointed a fork at him. “You’re still on thin ice. Any authority you have, you have because I allow you to have it. Abuse that authority, and I’ll disappear faster than Larissa. Never forget that I’m here by choice, Adam. My choice.”
Cain chuckled, but Adam couldn’t let it go.
“Annalise, as your husband, I—”
Gracie let her fork clatter to the table. “Goodness, Adam, let it go! If you could hear your wife’s thoughts right now, you would know that silence is the wisest move. We all get it. You are the man of the house and we are merely women. Now, can we please move on to a different topic and enjoy our dinner?”
His brother valued Amish tradition far more than the rest of them. Grace always preferred a simple life, but even she kept an open mind as she waited for her calling.
Cain, on the other hand, found life on the farm far too restrictive. Their laws had nearly killed him, and The Elder Council consisted of so many ancient males, he saw no way of amending the patriarchal decrees that determined the laws of The Order, despite how outdated their beliefs became.
It was no wonder Larissa ran. He couldn’t imagine living his life as another person’s property, which was basically the way Silus viewed her. Family Law protected his treatment and authority. But what laws protected their sister?
Cain waited until everyone finished their dessert to ask, “Why has Mother been staying at Aunt Rebecca’s?”
“She and Father had a fight,” Gracie explained.
Anna looked up at him, her brows drawing together. “I told you they’ve been fighting a lot.”