"My life isn't some entertainment for you to paw over," Adam snapped, curling into himself more with every word that Alec spoke. He hunched over, arms on his knees and head tucked, trying to curl into a ball and hide, or just to make himself small enough to disappear. "I was willing to give you what I could from the outside world. I'm not willing to give of myself to someone who will scorn me."

Persephone came over and rubbed her head against Adam's elbow. He uncurled very slightly, letting her onto his lap and winding his arms lightly around her. "I want out of here," he mumbled, mostly to her. She headbutted him, then hopped out of his arms, looking back at him like she expected him to follow.

Regarding Alec warily, Adam got to his feet.