Water trickled down one wall, forming a small pool that reflected their shadowy forms in perfect stillness.
For the first time since their escape, Sylas turned to face Soren directly. He pushed back his hood, revealing features that seemed carved from living stone, sharp cheekbones, a perfect mouth, those green eyes that held secrets older than the passages around them.
"Twice now," Sylas said, his cultured voice echoing against the ancient walls. "Twice I've intervened when others would have ended you. Do you wonder why?"
Soren straightened despite his exhaustion, meeting that piercing gaze with all the dignity he could muster. "Yes."
"Not out of kindness," Sylas replied, his perfect mouth curving in what might have been amusement. "Not out of mercy. Those are luxuries neither of us can afford."
He stepped closer, those green eyes never leaving Soren's face. "I didn't save you. I simply kept the Church from deciding what you are before you can decide it yourself."
