The Line

"It's all your fault." She said between choked sobs. "I've waited by your side for millions of years, tending to your every need, yet you've never taken me as your wife. Now a mortal rat all but calls me a whore to my face and you sit here and do nothing." 

Zabel felt a strong headache coming on. "Have I not treated you well? Is there anything you ever want for? Any resources you're ever lacking? There's no need for this, please stop crying." 

"So you think I'm a whore too, right?" Taline gasped for air, her throat choking up. "These resources, this money, you think that's enough to shut me up, right?" 

Zabel squeezed his forehead beneath a palm. "Silence!" 

A torrent of energy strangled Taline's sobs to a complete halt, leaving her stunned. Despite the disparity in their strength, Zabel had never actually raised a hand to her, nor had he ever oppressed her. This was the very first time he crossed that line.