Athea's gaze remained steady, betraying no emotion.
It was safe to say she had expected this demand from Viora.
"That is out of the question," she stated simply, her voice flat. "Your involvement ends with your silence. You will not interfere further."
Viora met her mother's stare, single-minded. "Interfere?" she repeated, her voice quiet. "You made me an accomplice to your treason the moment you confirmed the truth.
"If I am to be complicit in this," she continued, "if I am to risk my honor and my position by lying to everyone, including my own family, I will not do it blind. I will assess the situation myself."
"He is my bro…" She paused, the word 'brother' still feeling foreign and bitter on her tongue. "Besides, he is my blood. It is my right to see him."
Athea turned away, presenting her back to Viora as she gazed out the viewport at the glittering city far below. "Your 'rights' are irrelevant when weighed against the security of this family. It is too risky."
