Larentia didn't flinch. She stared into Beartooth's eyes. When he was done delivering his payload of harsh words, she took her turn. Beartooth, I can't say I missed you, but I can't say I didn't miss you. Every day for the past couple months, do you know what I've said to Boiko and Nadia? I told them about their father. How he wasn't the most warm-hearted most of the time, but how he could be terribly sweet. How I wished I could go back and stay in that clearing, wait that portal out. And how I may have been able to stay with you. She paused to let out a hiss of pain from her wounded leg. You may not believe that I didn't leave to be without you, but I really didn't. But we can speak about that later. She halved the distance between their faces. Now I don't think you came here simply to speak your mind to me.