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She grasped his hand on her shoulder. “You deserve better than that. I’m so sorry. Perhaps there’s another way, another path, one you haven’t yet considered.”

Instead of speaking more to it, he gestured at the house. “Are you comfortable here? Warlow moved you from the Guardian Movement safehouse, I see.”

“He felt bad about the whole thing. It wasn’t any fault of his, though.” She bit her lip. “But I couldn’t… I couldn’t tell him that there was so much more to it, thatPuritaswasn’t just intending to take out Crossborn, but had come for me specifically as well. I’d be seen as a burden and then I’d likely be cast out.” She grimaced. “Maybe I should just stand down from the team anyway, and—”

“You will not. You are not responsible for being targeted. Those who perpetrated and planned such a heinous act are. Youwere a victim of them. It is because of Sorin, yes? I heard what Caius said when he stabbed you.”

Velra took an unsteady step back.

“He is your blood kin?”

“My older brother. He hates what I am. He’s been hunting me ever since. But, joining Crossborn, it had me stepping out of the shadows after two years of hiding. And it clearly got his attention. I stupidly thought that he would have lost interest, focused on other things. But he clearly hasn’t.”

“Fear not, I will see to him.”

“No.”

“No?”

“You’ve done more than enough for me already.” She beamed up at him. “You brought me back from death, and you made me want to be brought back. I’d… I’d given up. But I feel different now. There’s… hope. And it’s all because of you.” She pressed her hand to his chest, over his heart, and he hissed at the touch, but didn’t step back. Instead, he stared at her in what appeared to be a mixture of awe and confusion. “You didn’t have to do that, to help me, or to even care. And I’m so sorry it’s causing you problems now.”

“You need not feel responsible. I made the decision.”

“Why… whydidyou? Why did you care? Why did you choose to heal me?”

“Your fate would have been unjust. You are good and altruistic.”

“I’m a Wraith-Dark Fae hybrid. Darkness runs in my veins.”

“I disagree. Your heart is pure. As are your intentions with all that you do. And,little shadow, never forget that there is no light without darkness.”

Her hand rose to his face and she stroked his cheek tentatively.

A moan escaped her and she uttered breathlessly, “You’re so warm, so incredible to touch.”

“Velra,” he said, grasping her hand carefully and drawing it away from his face.

“Is it cold for you?”

“Cold?”

“When I touch you? It is for everybody else.”

“No.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Really?”

“There is only warmth.”

“Because you tethered me, healed me?”

“I believe so, yes.”

“I—”

He released her hand. “You must go now. Do not spare me another thought, but you may have some peace of mind knowing that I will see to your brother.”

“Cassius, I—”