A flicker of surprise crossed Ismerie's gaze.
She considered it quietly, then said evenly, "Those days must have been hard for you."
Leontis' heart lifted... only to be cast down by her next words.
"Now that you are free, build your standing well. Find a good home. That is what matters."
He stood frozen, struck silent. It was nothing like what he had hoped.
She turned and walked away, as if his confession had stirred nothing in her at all.
"Ismerie!" he cried out, his voice raw with pain.
She did not pause. Her voice was carried back clear and calm.
"One thing I forgot... if your will had truly been bound by the Serpent-Clan's arts, you would never have kept enough of yourself to strike her down."
Another lie, laid bare. Even if it had been true, nothing would have changed b
