He already missed the brand. Some things were easier to whisper in her mind than to say out loud. He suddenly felt timid. Positively in awe of her and the way she had broken free. He had never seen anyone cloaked in such palpable, delicious freedom before. He had never thought a single person could be so layered, so fascinating, so enticing. To him she felt new and old at the same time. She had died and been reborn from the flames.  To be born again, first you have to die. 