impossible reasons

Like Remi, Amalia wore her emotions on her sleeve, and in the fur and other changes that rippled through her body at the summoner’s words. It wasn’t exactly a comparison that Loren wanted at the moment, given everything between the two men. Maybe if the baker had stayed away, or shown more control of her emotions, or hadn’t seemed so similar to the man who’d broken the Launceleyn’s heart, he would’ve considered sparing her. As it was, when she flinched, and spoke fearfully, he sensed blood in the water. Time to take a few more bites out then. Chuckling at her question—though there was no mirth in the sound—he let her stew for a few moments before he responded. ”Physically, no.” He started walking in a lazy circle around her; however, despite his slow steps, he looked more like a predator stalking its prey than anything else. ”I’m not even going to threaten you with violence.” However, there were other kinds of hurt, and he made no mention of those. At least not yet. He smiled, the expression slow and cold. It definitely did not reach his eyes. ”What’s that they always say? Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, even the hint of a smile was wiped from his face. ”Do you think it makes parents feel better to lie to their children? You see, mine never did. They were very clear that the reason they were torturing me was because I was weak and disobedient.” Pausing for a brief second, he halted so the full impact of his words could sink in. ”And now I’m strong enough to impress even them.” They were dead, but hey, better late than never. LOREN Not quite an open book