“I never claimed you were foolish,” Vincent said, his tone sharpening. “But surely you can understand my confusion, Matilda. You were in my life until you suddenly were not, and while most of the gods deem us entertainment, a mere means to get what they want, I never thought of you in such light.” “What, then, did you think of me?” “You were my friend,” he said, almost a whisper, as if it hurt to speak. “That is the only reason why I am giving you the time of day, allowing you to sit here in my chambers. I am making an exception for you.”
