Will gulped, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously, before he began speaking. His voice was softer now, almost hesitant.
“Because,” he said, “you aren’t being pushed into this title. Unlike me—I was born into this world, into this role. I had no choice. And I won’t allow my burden to become yours.”
His words came faster, tumbling out as though he’d been holding them in for too long. “I stayed with you in your world because I knew you were suffering. You still are, Lucky. And I don’t want to be the added chaos in your life. I didn’t want to pile more onto the things you’re already trying to overcome.”
He paused, his eyes searching mine, his expression pained. “But you left me no choice. I had to return to my title to protect you—not just from my enemies but from the ones I’ve learned are af
