[ lumine doesn't want to believe that. he could just be telling her what she wants to hear. and yet, does she have a choice on the matter, when he's the only one who can guarantee her brother's safety in this transaction? she doesn't even care about hers, but aether, as the one person who worked on this ... ]

I don't need your protection or apology, [ she scoffs at him. as if she'd trust him with her life, not after today. ] But I need to guarantee Aether's, whatever happens.

[ because her brother doesn't deserve to be linked to this lowlife, just because they were friends back in college. ]

Both from other people and your family. I've heard what your family is capable of, so don't even deny it.