"Aelin," he said, his voice lower now but far more intense, "being one of our healers does not give you the right to make decisions that affect the entire tribe."
Even though Elior looked as though he was trying to assert his authority over his sister, Aelin stood firm.
"Brother," she said, holding her ground, "we've lived hidden inside this mountain since the day we were born."
Her voice was gentle, yet firm. "I know our parents ordered every member of the Leader's bloodline to remain at the peak. But… doesn't that feel unfair?"
"The world is so vast." Aelin let out a heavy sigh. "And as I've told you before, I'm not meant to live in this small place for my entire life."
Aelin met his gaze directly, looking as if she were asking for some kindness so her brother would grant her wish. "You once told me I could decide my own future when I turned seventeen. But now I'm already twenty, and you still won't allow it."
