Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1)

by Brandon Sanderson

“Now, what is this about?” Elend asked. “I’ll admit, I have been ignoring you. I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve it, I just…well, it seemed like you were fitting in so well that you didn’t need a troublemaker like me being—” “Have you ever slept with a skaa woman?” Vin asked. Elend paused, taken aback. “Is that what this is all about? Who told you this?” “Have you?” Vin demanded. Elend paused. Lord Ruler. It’s true. “Sit down,” Elend said, fetching her a chair. “It’s true, isn’t it?” Vin said, sitting. “You’ve done it. He was right, you’re all monsters.” “I…” He laid a hand on Vin’s arm, but she pulled it away, only to feel a teardrop drip down her face and stain her dress. She reached up, wiping her eyes, the handkerchief coming back colored with makeup. “It happened when I was thirteen,” Elend said quietly. “My father thought it was time that I became ‘a man.’ I didn’t even know they were going to kill the girl afterward, Valette. Honestly, I didn’t.” “And after that?” she demanded, growing angry. “How many girls have you murdered, Elend Venture?” “None! Never again, Valette. Not after I found out what had happened that first time.”