Kaelen's POV
"And I made my choice too." Her eyes locked with mine, unwavering. "How can you blame me for that decision? You picked your family, Kaelen. I picked mine. We're identical in that regard."
The parallel struck me like a physical blow, lodging itself deep in my chest where it didn't belong.
"I'll call for a sentinel," I muttered. "End this charade."
I moved toward the exit. Behind me, the atmosphere shifted with that distinctive electric charge that preceded unleashed magic. I pivoted back around.
Her palms faced me, energy crackling between her fingers.
I studied those raised hands. Then I met her stare directly.
"Go ahead," I whispered. "I imagine it would satisfy you. The idea of it. Cutting me down where I stand. Perhaps exploding my skull the way you handled poor Ursula."
"I don't want to harm you." Her arms fell to her sides. Her voice shattered entirely. "I don't."
I stepped closer to her.
"Wrong," I said. "You absolutely do."
