You survived.
That's what matters."
"Alive," Caden said, his tone making it clear that wasn't the victory she thought it was.
"Alive and broken. Alive and useless. Alive and missing pieces that I'll never get back."
"You're not useless," Yaelena said firmly.
"You're injured. There's a difference. The doctors say with the prosthetic and proper rehabilitation, you'll regain most of your capabilities. You can still have a full life, still serve in the military if that's what you want, still—"
"Still kill the half-blood who did this to me," Caden interrupted, his eyes finally moving to meet his mother's.
"That's what I can still do. That's what I'm going to do."
Yaelena's face went pale.
"No. Caden, no. You're not going back there. You're not pursuing this anymore."
"I'm absolutely pursuing this," Caden replied, his voice rising slightly.
"Did you think I'd just accept this? Accept being crippled and scarred and leave the person responsible unpunished?"
