"In the eyes of my people, in the eyes of God, we are." There was an implacable resolve, a my-word-is-law, in his voice that set her teeth on edge. "What about in my eyes, Mikhail? My beliefs? Do they count for nothing?" she demanded belligerently. "I see the answer in your eyes, feel it in your body. You struggle needlessly, Raven. You know you are mine..." She stood up quickly, pushed the chair out of her way. "I don't belong to anyone, least of all you, Mikhail. You can't just decree what will be in my life and expect me to fall in with your plans." Raven rushed down the three steps to the path winding into the forest. "I need some air." Mikhail laughed softly. "Are you so afraid of yourself?"