Snow fell thick and soft over the school. Every branch and every slope lay draped in white.
Theron stood pale, dark rings and broken veins marking his eyes. "Name your price. Whatever you ask, whatever this school demands, I shall give it. If it is within my power, I will."
"You speak foolishly." Caedryn scoffed, cold and sharp. "What do you think life is? A toy? A bargain to be struck?"
Theron's gaze turned hollow. His hands clenched tight at his sides. "She found a way to save the child once. Why not now?"
"So you believe we chose to let her die?" Caedryn stepped forward, anger rising hot and sharp. "Theron, do you dare forget who forced her to make that choice? Who drove her to it? If not for your stubbornness, your blind pride—" every word was torn from his chest— "would Avelisse h
