"I made the exception," Adam said, tense. He still wouldn't look up, though he'd stopped eating, gripping his spoon too tightly. "I'm the bridge. It's my role to offer you a connection to the world."

Dropping his spoon, Adam got up and pushed his chair away from the table, continuing to avoid looking at Alec. "I thought you would trust me. It's clear now you never will. The temple won't let me not be here, but I'll try to stay out of your way."