You'd never speak to me again. It's too awful..... And I
don't WANT to. I don't want to.'
He waited for her to become quieter. 'The only thing I couldn't
forgive, and that I don't understand, is why you keep punishing
yourself. The way you've withdrawn, and won't let anyone close to
you. Especially Kalus.' He knew from the hurt look she gave him that
he had struck upon the heart of her unhappiness. 'Or is it him
you're trying to punish?'
'You don't understand,' she said weakly. And she would have
told him, and perhaps have found in his wisdom a way to let go, and
renounce the evil thing that she proposed. But at that moment she heard
a voice outside the open door.
'I thought I saw her go into the library,' answered McIntyre to an
unknown questioner. She stiffened, quickly wiped the tears from her
eyes. Kataya knocked lightly, then entered.
'Hello, Commander. Am I disturbing you? I'd hoped to speak with
Sylviana.' There was no animosity in her voice. If anything, it was
softened and conciliatory. 'Would it be all right?'
Though the question had been directed to Stenmark, Sylviana felt the
intrusion keenly, as if she had received yet another slight from this
woman, who continued to encroach upon her most intimate acquaintances.
'Anything you have to say to me,' she replied without turning,
'You can say in front of the Commander.
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