"Let me finish, please." Bodya raised his hand, cutting her short. "I'm not a toy nor a pet. I made my feelings for you clear from the start and I deserve that you do the same once and for all.
"Our lives as Awakened may be long but there's no reason to waste time with a one-sided relationship."
"You are right. I have no excuse." Tista lowered her gaze. "I want you to know that I'm not ashamed of you more than I'm ashamed of Lith. I respect you and I like you for who you are.
"For being caring, honest, and protective in a world where everyone only wants a piece of me for one reason or another. I'm proud of having you in my life."
"I feel a 'but' incoming." He furrowed his brows.
"But having you around was a constant reminder of the choice I had ahead of me and of the consequences I'll have to bear. I'm not self-confident like Ryssa nor uncaring of others' opinions like my brother.
