Some of you have expressed your opinions (publicly or privately) about my latest story arc, and I would like to respond.

I am not doing this to satisfy anyone's desire for Schadenfraude (meaning enjoyment over the suffering of another), or because I get a thrill from subjecting my characters to suffering (like some post-modern 'authors'), or even, God forbid, to provide an outlet for the frustration of myself or others.

I am doing this because Sirana's suffering is necessary as part of the process of her character development.

That is all.