Connor was quiet for a long time, staring at me, or perhaps through me. But my tears were gone, my tail still. I rested confidently in Luke's arms. No matter what Connor said, how he chose to argue, I was content. I'd found the answer.
"It's too late for me," he finally said, surprising me with the heaviness of his words.
I nodded. "It is."
Finally, I allowed Luke to guide me back. R'lissea watched me for a few seconds before nodding. I nodded back, and she strode in front of Connor.
"Xiviyah's right. You don't deserve to be free of the cycle."
I winced, biting my lip. That wasn't what I'd argued at all.
Connor nodded, staring at the ground. There was no sign of the domineering hero who had made kingdoms tremble. Just a sad, broken man. But I had no pity for him.
