Seventy Four.

"To cover up more lies. Just like you lied about enslaving me."

"That was just… a small lie."

I let out a slow breath. "A lie is a lie."

"I don't believe you. And I'm leaving."

"No! You can't!"

I raised my metal-covered hand. "Then convince me."

Silence.

"I'm willing to help," I continued, "but I'm not going to be your prisoner. Keeping me here forever is not an option."

She hesitated.

Then, barely above a whisper—"Why?"

I frowned. "What?"

"Why can't you stay here?"

I clenched my jaw. "You don't get to ask me that. I've been patient. I've been reasonable. And all you've done is lie to me, trap me, and refuse to explain anything."

"Do you really not care about your loved ones?" she asked weakly.

My fists clenched. "That's none of your damn business. And for the record? I cared for you as a common decency but now I have stopped caring about you and I am out of common decency."