[Lup knows it's a long shot, to think that Taako would ever really forgive Lucretia and be ready to go back to the way they were before, but she has to believe their family won't stay fragmented like this forever. She just has to.]

You say that like I had a choice. [As if Lup would want to be anywhere else. Their new home is an absolute nightmare and she has adored almost every second of it.] But I'll add that to my list of ways to torment him in the future. Thanks.

[Lup settles against her twin and closes her eyes, focusing in on the familiarity that always rushes through her when he's nearby. His steady breathing, the beating of his heart, the warmth of his palm against hers. Lup loves Lucretia. Has never had a female friend she's been as closely intertwined with, both before their journey or during her time in Hadriel. And she hasn't experienced what she will in the future nor has she met the woman that Lucretia will inevitably become, but that doesn't change the fact they are family and she'd do just about anything for the other woman.

But even that love and loyalty doesn't stop the firmness of Lup's tone when she answers.]

You won't lose me again, Taako. Not to anyone, but especially not to her. I promise. She can't touch us.