being strong and staying alive. If the enemy is as anxious to get to you as we've seen, then perhaps that can work to our advantage. We may be able to use that to lure him into making a costly mistake. There is hope in this, if only that it gives us some chance of discovering his intent."
She paused and took Lily's hands. "As for Anest, he is very much in love with you. Why do you doubt that?"
Lowering her eyes, Lily said, "I want his love. Not his pity."
"Lily!" Dorain was aghast. "Anest does not pity you in such a manner."
"Yes he does!" Lily sobbed, her grief getting the better of her, "He must!"
"Nonsense! He's been worried sick about you because you've been so moody and quiet. If he hasn't said anything, it's not because he thinks you'd be hurt by what was really on his mind, as you seem to think. If that was the case, then it really would just be pity."
"Then why?"
Dorain's mien softened. She reached out a hand to the girl's face to brush away her tears. "Because he doesn't know what to do or say when you're like that. Shades, girl, the two of you have known each other, what . . . a matter of months? It sometimes takes years to get to know someone well."