Helena's gaze didn't waver. "Then you also know that he is showing generosity by helping you."
The word 'generosity' hung in the air, heavy and sharp.
It wasn't kindness. It wasn't compassion. It was a transaction, a gift from a superior to a subordinate.
Mira nodded slowly, a knot of confusion tightening in her stomach.
Why was she saying all this?
A faint, unconscious smile touched Mira's lips as the image of Viktor gently cleaning Toby's face flashed in her mind.
He was a nobleman, yes, but he had been… good to them.
She lowered her gaze, her smile soft and private, and gave another small nod.
The sight of that smile seemed to harden something in Helena's face. "Then you also know your boundaries, don't you?"
The words landed like a slap. Much harder than the one from the bandit.
Mira's body trembled, a violent, uncontrollable shiver that had nothing to do with the cold.
