[ The declaration was something of a surprise—not because Sakuya had ever made it a secret how he felt about her family situation, but because to see it in person, in the ways his hands clenched was another experience altogether. No, such anger won’t do.

Still smiling, she shook her head slowly. ] It’s not a matter of whether I deserve it or not.

[ Looking around them to make sure some rude creature wasn’t about to pounce them, she continued. ] They made their choices, and I am choosing to continue forward. That can be enough, can’t it?