"I'm not happy helping me came at your expense, but it isn't your fault you care about me." I sighed. "It's the fault of our worlds and their skewed views of right and wrong. Because of them, you had to sacrifice yourself to save me. Because wanting to be close to me—a human—is such a crime."
"Maybe to our leaders, but caring about you has never felt wrong to me. It may be forbidden and taboo, but I have never felt embarrassed or ashamed to have you as my friend." Ruith smiled softly, hoping I would too. And I did briefly. For him.
"I'm not ready to let you go," I whispered delicately, my façade of a hopeful smile departing.
Ruith's expression matched my own. "Now that my father has complete authority over our province, it is guaranteed he'll initiate a war with your world. And soon. You must do what you can to protect yourself until I find you."
