Fate stayed like that for a long time, clinging to her fiancee almost desperately, like a lifeline. And when she finally pulled back, the hurt was so clear in her eyes, it didn't take a perceptive person to notice it right away.

"I feel horrible for saying this, and I know we need what they're offering... but there's no way we can go through with these negotiations. Even if they didn't do this--" she gestured to the glowing mark on her forehead. "There's no way I'm going to help those monsters."

It was obvious, of course, but she still had to say it.