103

Zarek

Her words cut deeper than I could have ever imagined.

“Vaelia, why are you saying these things ?” I asked, my voice tight with frustration. “All I have done nothing but protect you!”

“That’s exactly the problem!” she snapped. “Your protection! You’ve always known why I needed it, but you kept the truth from me. What I really need is protection from you!”

Before I could say another word, she