"Why?" Ray's voice cracked between sobs. "Why didn't she trust me? Why didn't she tell me what was happening? Why did she hide it from me?"
Esme ran her fingers soothingly through his hair, her touch gentle but steady. "I don't know, Ray," she whispered softly. "I don't know why she did that. But that doesn't mean she didn't trust you. Sometimes... people hide things because they're afraid. Maybe she was afraid of hurting you, of burdening you with her fears."
Ray clung to her even tighter, as if her words were the only thing keeping him grounded. "I just... I feel so useless, Esme. I don't know what to do anymore."
Hearing Ray's words, Esme smirked, her tone light and teasing. "Well, if you're so useless, then I wonder how many useless people out there have the power to make Esme Valhale sign a contract." The playful jab was meant to ease the tension, and it worked.
