"Of course it would feel better, but I can't have it, I shouldn't have it. I've brought you too far down the Path of Night already, and he's right. My f-father. There's no choice."

If he touches her, if she feels anything besides this pain, she might forget what she is, after all.

She's holding herself in place so tightly that her muscles ache. "I only seem to be able to hurt people."