Northstar Vale With our final breath

“Tamar has a very good reason for her reaction to Akashingo—I won’t betray her trust and go into the reasoning of it. But the Pharaoh didn’t know their whereabouts… and now he does. Because of me.” She swallowed, gaze shifting away from Reyson, head turning—unable to even look in his direction should she feel the weight of disappointment on her shoulder only become heavier with any thoughts of his own projected from his gaze. “He played me in that way. He directed the conversation in so many ways to get what seemed like harmless information from me—and then he wanted me to deliver them gifts from him, knowing very well the fear it would instill in them. He played me like a puppet.” The words dry in her mouth—she hated this feeling.

“I have spent years looking for family, Reyson. Tamar and Arsenio have welcomed me graciously and it’s me who has endangered them and their family. When you tell me ‘nah, don’t worry, they don’t blame you,’ it belittles me. It makes it sound like it’s no big deal, but it is.” With this, she jutted her chin up, eyes, fiery once more, finally seeking him. “Because I finally found a family and I will do whatever I can to protect them.”

And then—the fellahan. She snorted. “I’m naive, Reyson but not stupid nor blind. I’m not a pleasure servant nor do I care to be compared to one.”