“Kai,” she murmurs, suddenly serious. “She is your brother’s.” I look away. “I know.” “Don’t let her come between the two of you.” Her tone is stern. “Promise me, Kai.” A shake of my head. “It’s a little late to be making that promise, Mother.” “Then make me a different one.” She struggles to lift her head from the pillow, words strong in a way her body is not. “Don’t let her be your weakness.”
