Her words hit him harder than a punch ever could.

Kit's jaw tensed, teeth steadfastly holding back any words he might regret. His silence both codemened him and saved the wizard from digging himself an even deeper grave.

Finally, he said slowly and quietly, "I should hope you don't, Anne. Tell me—you hate me, fair enough, but then why so eager to become me?"

Would she see the sorrow in his eyes? Probably not.

After all, he was more like him than he would ever care to acknowledge.