“I chose power,” I corrected. “For us. For our future. Evelyn is political. You… you’re everything that matters. Can’t you see that?”
“Then why am I the secret?” Tears were sliding down her cheeks now. “Why is she the one who gets to stand beside you while I hide?”
“Because that’s how it has to be,” I said desperately. “Just for now. Just until I solidify my position with the Seven. Then we can–”
“We can what, Jaxon?” Her voice rose. “We can continue sneaking around? Continue hiding? For how long?”
“As long as it takes!” I grabbed her shoulders, needing her to understand. “Isla, please. I know this isn’t what we planned. I know I should have told you about Evelyn. But it doesn’t change anything between us. We can still be together. You just have to be patient a little longer.”
“Patie
