"If any of my brothers were speaking in such self-pitying terms," said Anton, "I would punch them to shatter their reverie." He glanced at her again, and there was a shade of amusement on his face. "Please don't make me do so on your behalf. That would be painful."

Anton had lived by that credo for so long that he didn't need the validation; but it was still gratifying to know that someone else recognised the very same things Anton had observed in his life-long struggle. More so that it was Wan.

His amusement turned to sobriety. "Are you so sure it was completely you? This ... circumstance ... cannot be coincidental. Our magic was made to feel such a way. Perhaps that does not negate the responsibility--but it certainly changes the culpability. Do not allow the enemy to bring you low in such a manner. It's useless, and does nothing but grant him a win."