Anya stares at me for a long time. So long that I almost say something, just to break the silence. It’s like we’re in a play and I’ve forgotten my line.
“It was really noble of you to make that deal with Otets for me,” she says softly. “You don’t like big emotional displays, so I’ve tried not to make one, but…it means everything to me that you wanted me to be happy. You handed over your opportunity for a happy marriage so that I could be with Lev. I’ll never be able to repay you for that.”
“You don’t need to repay me for—”
“But,” she interrupts sharply, “if you sacrifice yourself now, when it’s no longer necessary, you aren’t a hero—you’re a coward.”
With that, my sister, who never knows when she’s overstaying her welcome, makes a timely exit.
Jorden’s pull-out bed is a torture device
