He blinked in surprise as she went on, "You're still you. And I don't judge people based on how they look or what species they are."
Kael narrowed his eyes skeptically. "That's rich, coming from someone who's judged me to my face dozens of times."
Shiera flushed, glaring at the fire like it owed her an apology. "That's… because you acted like a spoiled, arrogant, weak guy who clung to my sisters like a lifeline!"
Kael gave her an offended look. "I what?"
"You did! Or at least that's how it seemed!" she shot back. "You always got them into danger. My sisters were ambushed three times after the wedding, and I thought it was your fault. I thought you were dragging them into your mess to clear off your damn ancestral debt. How would I know that you are pretending to be weak?"
After a brief pause, Shiera's voice softened, barely above a whisper. "Now, after seeing you battle, I realize… they weren't helping you as I thought. You were the one who was protecting them."
