"Tell me. Why is Ayame with the enemies?"
For the first time, Elder Chizuru's expression faltered.
The elder studied Kaede's face for a long moment before letting out a slow, tired breath.
"So you noticed…"
The calm tone only poured oil on Kaede's fury. Her hand shot forward, gripping the old woman by the collar and dragging her close.
"I ordered you to ensure she'd be watched!" Kaede hissed. Her breath came out sharp. "You promised she'd be given a choice in her master, her path. So explain. What is she doing at the side of that man?"
Chizuru's eyes didn't flinch. Her hands remained still at her sides.
"She was watched. And she made her choice. That man… she picked him herself."
Kaede's fingers tightened. "That's not possible. She would never!"
"She would. Ayame rotted away in the slave house for a year before deciding. No one forced her. No one coerced her. She went with him of her own free will."
