“And yet I’m the one tethered to you.”
“The tether was an accident.”
“An accident I have to live with.”
Rhen’s mouth curved without humor.
“That sounds like your problem.”
“You fed me again.”
“Because dead currency has no value.”
The words settled between them.
Veya’s hands trembled at her sides.
“So that’s all I am.”
“You are heretic-tainted, unstable, and potentially useful. At present, that is more than most creatures offer.”
Her eyes burned.
“Then why am I still alive? Why not tear out my throat and finish it?”
“Because you still have value.” Rhen’s gaze did not leave hers. “When you don’t, the decision will become simpler.”
A tear slid down Veya’s cheek.
“You’re hateful.”
“Accurate.”
“It’s eating you alive.”
“You are confusing indifference with pain.” His eyes remained utterly empty when they met hers. “I feel nothing for you.”
Veya’s voice cracked.
“You loved her.”
Rhen did not answer.
He did not need to.
The silence surrounding Leena was the only confession he would ever provide.
“And now she’s gone,” Veya whispered. “So you punish everyone who isn’t her.”
Rhen leaned closer.
“You do not matter enough to punish.”
The sentence stole what remained of her balance.
She caught the dresser again.
“You’re a coward.”
