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¬ HILN

I sighed and clamped my lips shut, lost in thought as Fashure and I engaged in a staring contest. 

Even as he laid on the floor, in pain—and annoyingly—not showing it, he still held tight onto his dignity. For some reason, it suddenly reminded me of my stubbornness. But that had been more spurned by desperation and fear than pride. 

Now, why did I think this was going to be easy? I had no one to blame but myself. I had underestimated him. 

Of course, he wouldn't sit back and let me do as I pleased.

I wondered what would happen if I increased the level of pain, but I wasn't sure I could do it or even stoop myself to that level. I wanted to crush his spirit, not necessarily watch him suffer. 

I had a heart unlike him for the most part. 

"Are you done?" he breathed with a light wheeze and my irritation spiked. 

Now he was pushing it. 

Incoming footfalls from outside Fashire's wing caught my attention.