selfish resentment

Callum was in love with Elara for years. He met Elara when Asuriel was seven, and Lysander was eight; they were neighbors briefly. It didn't take long for him to develop feelings for the woman. The archivist's intelligence, quiet strength, and motherly love captivated the seasoned merchant. They were qualities he hadn't seen since his late wife, Jennifer, was alive, the same qualities that had drawn him to her, too.

After developing a close friendship with her for the few years they were neighbors, he knew her better than anyone – or at least, he thought he did… which was why he started to feel curious about Asuriel's origins.

It was clear as day that Elara would never have been in a romantic relationship with a man, or a woman for that matter. She cared for him as a friend but never expressed interest in him – and she never spoke of any past lovers.