His honesty is welcomed, even if their thoughts do not necessarily align. Still, it is something she can understand, because life isn’t rainbows and flowers for everyone. Only the lucky few get to live a life where they have no concerns for every decision that they make.

You’re not wrong about that.

About the fact that she could be manipulated because she cares, but she’s not so forward about all this. Outside of the Summoned who happen to know, she keeps her relationship with Matt quiet, never bringing to the attention of those in power that her loved ones are elsewhere. That her loyalties lie within the commune.

That she can be trusted by the Council and the Elders.

But I’m powerful enough now to make those choices myself, instead of letting others do them for me.

As has been the case so often before.

She takes a moment to take a long sip from her tea, bringing the cup back down onto her lap.

I won’t go against what everyone wants, but that’s just how I feel. We should help because we can. If we don’t help, we might cause more resentment towards us.

If it is a trap, which would not be the first time, then we’ll handle that if and when it happens.