"Yes. We made a deal with them—suppress the information, never develop the abilities, and they'd leave you alone. It seemed like a fair trade at the time." Vera's regret is palpable. "Now I see it was just teaching you to be ashamed of a gift the Goddess gave you."
"I'm not ashamed." Kade's voice is firm. "I'm angry it was hidden. Angry I grew up believing divine blood was something to be suppressed while I rejected Isla for being exactly what I am."
"You were compelled—"
"I was also conditioned. The spell worked because it played on prejudices I'd been taught my whole life." Kade moves closer to the bed. "But that's on me to fix, not you. You did what you thought was right. I don't blame you."
Vera's eyes fill with tears. "You should. I failed you both in different ways. Hid your heri
