Ayrie suddenly knew why he became so angry whenever Astoria's name was mentioned, and the regret that filled her heart nearly made her start crying. She watched as Astoria happily accepted his offer, wishing that she could reach through the haze of memory and stop her from doing what she did. Explain to her the mistake she made.

"I will, Asran." Astoria said, her smile never faltering. She took his hand, her palm sweaty. "Nothing would make me happier."

Just a few hours ago those words wouldn't have sounded so empty to her own ears, but with the knowledge she had now the words were hollow. The betrayal she felt, the icy rage building inside her every time he looked at her with that smile. How could he smile when he had done something so awful? She took the glass of wine from him and drank from it, at the same time breaking the capsule in her mouth that would counteract the sedative.