[ Cullen watches as she takes the box in her arms, and there's a part of him that so badly wishes to beg that she wouldn't take it. The idea of what little lyrium he has left going to the flames, burning and disappearing in thin air, makes his thirst even more powerful. His gut wrenches and his heart sinks. But it's Josephine's words that keep him from reducing to begging like a child. ]

[ Testing his strength... Yes, that is precisely what Gloria had been doing. This is just another way to maintain control, to keep tabs on him as best as the Chantry had, if not better. ]

[ Cullen sighs again, looking away as if that will help remove the visual of his resource of relief being burned like useless garbage. ]

You're right.

[ His hands clench into fists as he turns away, Cullen tries to breathe to maintain his composure. ]

I am better than this. I am stronger. I can dedicate myself to bettering my life just as much as I had to the Chantry and my vows.

[ With another heavy, long exhale, his hands loosen, and he turns to Josephine. ]

Thank you... I--

I would wish I could do this on my own but... It's proven to be much harder than I had anticipated.