"I am told, by reliable witnesses, that I do it to myself," Solas scoffs, halfway to a bitter laugh. Beleth not the least among those, of course, "If ever you have trespassed against me, know that you are forgiven, Vhenan."

He cannot think of any instance in which she might have ever done so, but that he invited it in the first place. It was his will that made them enemies, was it not? Her adamant refusal of the role was how they got here at all, with her lying in his arms, steaming water a cocoon of false safety all around.

"I know you would have followed me. That is why I could not permit it; I cannot destroy you with the monster I must become. There is nothing but death on that path; you must live."