“Our greatest pain in this life often comes from those who should love us the most. Prepare yourself to accept the maston oaths. I have no doubt that you will tame the Leerings inside the abbey. The hardest thing you will ever be asked to tame is your own heart.” Maia felt a burning sensation in her chest at his words. It was like a feeling of heat, but it was also a feeling of grief and of love—as if she could sense the true feelings the Aldermaston held for her. This was how a father should feel toward his daughter.
