"What's the point of such a life? Shackles on every desire? Is that the life you want for yourself? The Lucian I knew had the courage to face men and beasts far above her level. She didn't bow to weaklings for schemes.."
"For strength! Damn you!" Her voice cracked with frustration. "That's the point. This is the only way I can make myself strong enough. Strong enough to never let anyone fight for me again. You, the unparalleled genius, wouldn't understand the desperate struggle for even a trickle of power. That's what life is for us—for me!"
They stared at each other in silence until Lucian exhaled heavily, her anger fading. Without another word, she turned and walked back inside to rejoin her charade.
Toph made a noise but Damian ignored him.
Damian, finding unexplained rage bubbling inside him, hurled his glass into the ocean with full force. Then he stormed away, heading directly back to his room.
****
