Olivia reached out, her fingers fluttering like the wings of a wounded bird until they found the contours of his face. She traced the hard line of his jaw, the tension in his brow. "Why such a grimace, Mathias? I can practically feel the thunder on your brow."
He caught her hand, pulling it away with a sharp, controlled movement. "Stop weaving circles around me, Olivia. Answer the question. Did those bastards lay their hands on you? Did they do this?"
She turned her head away, her sightless eyes staring into the void. "It isn't important. I only wanted you to understand that my bond with them is not what you imagine. Do not ever mistake me for their pawn, or think that my loyalties lie with that den of snakes."
