(it surprises her when he's up with a flash, stopping her before she can leave. she can't tell if she's grateful or resentful of it -- maybe it's a bit of both. she doesn't rip his balls off but she does put her her hands against his chest, trying to use her magic to blast him back from her. whether it'll work on a god or not? she doesn't know. what she does know is good intentions or not, his arms feel like another cage.

she wants to bite back that he doesn't know. it's not the same. and she wouldn't do what he did -- but wouldn't she? what wouldn't she do to to feel free? who wouldn't she hurt for power and agency?)

I'm smarter than that. I won't fall into any trap. But I can't just stay here and read books when there's a noose tightening around my neck. You sound like Tissaia.

(not that he knows her mentor, but hadn't she said as much before.

you need to control chaos, right now you're letting chaos control you.

she takes a few breaths, trying to steady her breathe, that pounding heart in her chest. being patient has never been one of her talents, especially when her back is against the wall....but she also doesn't want to end up in a worse situation and that possible here, right? somehow, things can always get worse. she'd never say the words but he's right. she needs to be smart.

she needs to stay. she finally meets his eyes, violet orbs that are still rippling with a tsunami of emotions underneath them. she's not happy about this.)

Fine. I'll stay.