Bai Ye took my hands and held them between his palms, rubbing his fingers over mine in a soft, almost careful touch. "When I first started to notice that something had gone amiss with … your bonding with Twin Stars, I searched for every possible way to untangle you from its influence. One of the solutions I came across was an ancient ritual to break the connection between a sword spirit and the sword. It was perfectly suited for your situation, and if only I had followed through … It might have been able to put an end to all your troubles with the demonic power."