"I helped you through that," protested Athyn.
"You distracted me," responded Kier. "The only reason you put up with me, my crying, and wailing, and complaining, and bawling, was so you could enjoy my family's influence."
Kier's face was expressionless. He pierced Athyn with his eyes, and his voice was calm, unvarying. Athyn pressed herself harder against the wall, trying to get away from Kier.
"The only reason you dedicated any time to me," Kier continued, "was so you could benefit from something my family could give you. It had nothing to do with me."
"Kier?" Ina was walking towards them.
But Kier knew she still shouldn't have been able to hear him. Especially if he whispered.
"Your eyes…" said Athyn.
Kier smiled.