“You’re going to risk everything because of a smile? And a man’s smile at that.” “You don’t understand.” Lani—tears now gone—stood her ground, her words matching her stance, armored with resolute confidence. Aoife mimicked her sister, straightening so she could look her in the eye. “You’re right. I don’t. He’s a man. Men are the problem, Lani. It was their warmongering that caused such destruction—scarred, broken lands and whole races wiped out. Or have you forgotten?”
