I understand that. If I could spare her all of it, I would, but... that is beyond my power. Still, there is division amongst the vidyadhara leadership that I personally think will do them a world of good in the end. Due to that, while Bailu struggles with her role, she is still a child with her own mind... and Baiheng's force of will as well.

[He adjusts his hand away from those bruises. Dan Feng is only getting gentleness from him right now.]

I have done all I can to shield her from your fate. I only wish someone had done that for you. You could have been Imbibitor Lunae without stripping you of your personhood.