“No.” His denial was loud. “Don’t let her diminish you. You’re a warrior, Calladia, and you don’t need to apologize for being who you are.” Her lips trembled as she smiled, and a tear slid down her cheek. “When did you get so nice?” He scoffed. “I’m not nice. I’m honest.” “I thought you were a famed liar.” She swiped at her eyes. “To the rest of the world, maybe. Not with you.” He held her gaze, willing her to see his sincerity. “Like calls to like, Calladia. You’re a force to be reckoned with, no matter what your mother says. I’m six hundred years old, and you still put me in my place.” Her
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