It didn't. It didn't match up. Something had happened, something more than either of them knew -- perhaps Kell had too much faith, but Murphy had never struck him as anyone truly cruel. As anyone who would ever enjoy power over others, enjoy causing them pain.

It fit. The other trials Neria had told him about were designed to be as painful as possible for those that underwent them. If that was Murphy's trial, then it would make sense.

As Neria looked away from him, Kell moved closer.

"Should Hakkyuu have refused me?" Kell asked, more sharply than he meant to, but then his voice always seemed to come out that way, his hands too harsh, his magic too strong. He was not the healer she was. But he knew he was right, knew he was telling the truth.

"Was it selfish of him to keep me close, when that was where I wanted to be?"

Kell grit his teeth, hard enough to feel them creak in his jaw.

"There is a reason for this, but that does not mean the reason is you."