Chapter 15
“I’m sorry, Svetlana. You suffered terrible losses over the last century. First, your friends, your protégé, and then your family. I can’t rightly fathom how you must feel,” Olivia said, her voice heavy with genuine sympathy.
“Death’s a part of livin’, Olivia. It’s a hard truth, but it’s only served to strengthen me,” Svetlana replied, her tone cool and detached.
“But I can’t shake the feelin’ that your losses are drivin’ you toward the darkness,” Olivia said cautiously, leaning forward.
“I can manage my powers, Olivia. I’m still neutral,” Svetlana defended, her ice‑blue eyes flashing.
“You may think yourself neutral, Svetlana, but the more dark magic you call upon, the more it’ll pull you its way. You know as well as I do—our powers are bound to our emotions, same as any c
