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“Oh, but, sweetheart, you did.” Maklr rested his chin on the top of her head. “And I couldn’t be more proud of you.”

“I panicked.”

“That’s to be expected. You did well.”

“I…,” Nell’s voice trailed off.

“No, none of that. I said I’d stop if you needed to.”

“You did,” Nell sniffled.

“And what happened when you needed me to stop?”

“You stopped.”

“I will never do anything you don’t want, Nell.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I’m sorry I’m broken.” Nell buried her face in Maklr’s chest.

“You’re not broken, Nell.” Maklr rubbed circles on her back. He rumbled low in his chest.

“How can you say that?”

“I see someone who’s overcoming her past with strength and grace.”

“I’m not strong enough,” Nell murmured into his chest.

“That’s what I’m here for. To be your strength when you think you can’t.” Maklr rested his cheek on the top of her head.

“I can’t ask that of you.”

“It’s not asking if I’m giving it to you freely. No conditions. Use me, use my strength when you feel like giving up. Lean on me. I’ll always be here for you,” Maklr said, his voice low. “I’ll be here if you let me.”

“Don’t say something you don’t mean,” Nell whispered.

“Why would I?” Maklr’s white eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

Nell’s shoulders raised in a slight shrug. “Some people do.”

Maklr growled, a low rumble, and Nell shivered. “I will never lie to you. Everything I’ve told you, I mean. I’m angered by what they did to you. It makes me want to track down and kill the male who hurt you.”

Nell swallowed. “Don’t.”

“Would it bring you peace?” Maklr’s thumbs wiped Nell’s cheeks.

“Not if you lower yourself to taking another being’s life. You’re a healer. I won’t let you destroy the life you’ve built for yourself. I’m not worth it.”

“Oh, but you are.” Maklr’s fingers stroked Nell’s cheeks. “I would hunt them down in the farthest reaches of the galaxy if it would bring you some semblance of peace.” An errant lock of white hair flopped in front of his eyes.

“It would destroy you, and now that I’ve found you, I won’t let you go.”

Chapter 13

Maklr

“Whatgoodismypeace if my hero turns into a villain?”

Maklr’s eyes widened. “A villain?” he sputtered. “You’d think I’m a villain for wanting to avenge you?”