Ethan's POV
I stared at her face, which was all twisted up because she was so worked up. The slave mark on her cheek moved as her muscles twitched, like it was alive and mocking me.
Strange. Distant.
Cruel. Terrifying.
I suddenly realized I never actually knew the person standing in front of me.
"What about you?" I asked. My voice sounded weirdly calm.
"Would you do it?"
"Would you give up your own life for this 'peace' you're talking about?"
Maris froze.
"If you would—"
I shot to my feet and leaned in. "Then why were you cursing them out?! Didn't you say it was a 'necessary price'? They're dead, so why aren't you? Why don't you just die right now?!"
"I..." Her lips trembled. No words came out.
"Did you ask the civilians whose towns got wiped out?! Did you ask the packs that li
