Ethan’s voice was hoarse. “No. But I do know what it’s like to betray someone who didn’t deserve it. And I live with that every day.”
She said nothing.
And still, he came back the next day.
---
At the close of the week the guards were accustomed to him. He came quietly, and when he wanted to see Remi or Felix he came to see them, and waited outside chambers or garden halls the same as a penitent priest.
One morning Felix drew him aside, and showed no humor.
“It's of no use,” he said bluntly.
Ethan didn’t respond.
Felix leaned in, voice low. “She’s not the same girl you knew. Whatever kindness she had for you—whatever softness—it’s gone. Burned out with the rest of her.”
“I know,” Ethan replied.
“Then why are you here?”
He met Felix’s gaze.
"I shall stay as long as she is breaki
