She shivers, but her voice stays steady. "And what if I need space? Time to process things on my own?"
The question stabs at my deepest fears---of abandonment, of betrayal, of loss. But I make myself nod. "Then we find a way."
Nova's shoulders relax slightly, as if she's testing the truth of my words. Testing me. "You're asking me to put my life in your hands," she says quietly. "I need the same from you."
The old me would have laughed at the idea of giving anyone that kind of power. The old me would have kissed her silent and changed the subject. But her steady gaze holds more strength than all my father's threats ever did.
"Tell me what that looks like." I keep my voice neutral, open. This is her moment to define terms.
"No more unilateral decisions about my safety. No more hiding i
