Malakar's POV.
Hope steps quietly onto the porch behind me. I have my back turned to her, my shoulders are rigid, and my fists are clenched at my sides. The tension radiating from me is almost palpable. She approaches slowly, reaching out to touch my arm.
"Malakar..." She says softly.
I flinch at the sound of her voice, then turn, eyes flashing - not in anger at her, but at everything else.
"I can't, Hope. Not right now. I need... I need to get away from her before I say something I can't take back."
Hope's eyes darken as she follows my gaze back to the infirmary where my father and Velara are still talking. About her secrets, no doubt. Her expression remains unreadable. She nods her understanding.
"Okay." She whispers. "I'll be here when you're ready."
Before either of us can say
