t hold back a sigh.
She raised an eyebrow. “I haven’t said anything yet.”
“And nor do you need to,” he replied, heading for his bedroll.
She caught his arm and when he faced her, he found her expression to be one of weariness where he’d expected hardness. “I am doing what I believe I must, Never. Are you so different?”
He offered no answer.
“Surely you can see that he rules your every decision.”
Never held her gaze. “Maybe so, but I will change that, Elina. When next my brother and I meet, only one shall walk away.”
“And if someone stands between you and he?”
“Like you?”
“Yes. Me, Luis, young Tsolde? What then?”
Never traced one of the scars on his wrist, newly healed and already fading, but could not find an answer, for it was a question he hadn’t dared face.
She released him t
