you could leave. she says, and grimaces at the desperation in her voice. she sounds like a child, begging a boy she hardly knows to run her off with her. but there is some naive part of her yet— some childish dream that ghelan is not his father, and if he leaves now, he can be saved. he can start anew.

you are a man now, ghelan. if you left now, he would have no say. you could start a new life elsewhere, away from his influence. you could be free of him.

she turns to go, and the wind blows cold against the bare skin of her neck. a sideward glance back at him, hoping he will follow. if he trails her, it will be temporary at best. she knows her father well, and blackfell will not tolerate a young man trailing his daughter, regardless of any polite intention. he certainly won't take kindly to sun eater's progeny at her side.

but that is a bridge she will cross when the time comes. for now they are at an impasse, and although she cannot forgive the crimes of his father, ghelan is innocent. she will not push him away.