"I've been trying so hard to understand," Ophelia continued, leaning forward just enough to bring the scent of lavender and soap into his space. "What makes her so… captivating? What draws people into her orbit, even when it burns them? What draws you to her, Soren?"
The question was soft, curious, almost innocent. But underneath it, Soren saw the hook. She was fishing for a confession, trying to bait him into admitting his own struggles with Eris so they could bond over their mutual "victimhood."
Soren's response was measured, as cold and precise as a glacier. "Eris is… complicated," he said, giving her absolutely nothing. "Our marriage is one of state and necessity. Her 'effect' is not something I spend my nights analyzing. I am more concerned with the stability of her health and the security of the North."
