And…" she sighed, "he likes apple-spiced stew."


    are in great pain, and for that I am sorry."


    everything—her life’s energy, her very essence—sealing it within a tree to sustain the magic. What remains of her is only a fragment. A sliver of what she once was. I am that sliver."


    flattered you think I’m capable of such a feat, but let’s set aside the small problem of me being a battered, half-dead prisoner for a moment. Why me?" She crossed her arms. "Yes, we might be very, very, distantly related, but let’s not forget—you’re the one who stripped magic from this world, leaving it in the hands of one bloodline. And guess what? That little decision led to a king who discovered drinking blood could make him stronger."


    ''She really thinks I could do it.''


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    There was so much hope in those large eyes that a pang of pity and guilt pulled at the thief.


    Please."


    deserved to have hope again.


    <hr>


    ''Well.'' She exhaled, tasting blood. ''That’s interesting.''