Deepwood Weald I Don't Belong Here

Vorilye had feared that she would've been against him, that she might brush it off... but no. She seemed shocked, angry even. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the relief wash over him. Quietly, he told her, eyes still closed, "It's not your fault." He sighed, then opened his eyes. He knew he could not hide his identity forever; the others would realize by the way he treated the children, or how he kept so close to Themis. He wished he could. All he wanted was to be a decent father, but how could he do that and keep his anonymity?

Vorilye met Themis' gaze, and he muttered, "I've felt like a stranger here. Like... like I don't... belong here." The words were hard to admit. He cleared his throat roughly, then dropping his gaze. He didn't know how to change that.