“Uncle?” Luara spat out the word.

Rayder got off her, trying to compose himself.

“Luara, please... I lost myself. She was here every day, clinging to me... I... I was weak. There's no excuse, but I swear I regretted it the second I saw you.”

“Shut up,” Luara growled, her fists clenched.

Aurie fell to his knees, still crying, feigning remorse:

“It was all my fault! I begged! I... I... I'll leave, I swear...”

“No one is leaving,” Rayder ...