“My brothers are the only thing I’ve ever cared about, and somehow, in some way, I showed it.” He glances up, eyes filled with such anger that it takes me aback. “I showed it too much. I showed it to him, and he used them against me, time and time again.” His jaw tightens, the candlelight throwing his angular features in sharp relief. “I want you to know that you’re right.” His face pinches, as if he’s facing something unfathomably foul. “I am his creation, Verity. He tied it all together inside of me like tendons and muscles, where the smallest stretch of affection is always attached to the
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