“I stood over their graves and I swore I’d never let myself be that weak again. That I would never let anyone bring me that low. It’s why I proposed to Helen. I was going to marry her to solidify my alliance with the Greeks. Then…” He looks at me pointedly.
“I found out about Dante,” he finishes sharply, slashing through my naiveté. “I have the power and position to keep you and Dante safe, but I won’t let myself be distracted with a family or childish notions of love. You two will be safe here. That’s all I can promise.”
Hot and cold. Up and down. I’ve cycled through every possible human emotion since being startled awake five minutes ago and I can’t stop the tears from pouring down my face.
“It doesn’t have to be like this,” I whisper. I hate that I’m begging. I don’t know why I even
