Rogan remarked in a quiet but firm voice, "Ava, you don't have to do this." His gaze pierced mine, seeking something I wasn't certain I could provide.
I tried to stabilize myself against the storm that was building inside his eyes by crossing my arms. Rogan, you're mistaken. Yes, I do. What's the point of all of this if I don't?
With a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair, letting the strands catch the room's faint light. "Your safety is the first concern. This conflict is not something you owe the group. I am accountable for it, not you.
"But now we're a team, aren't we?" I moved closer to him in response. "Or was that merely conversation?"
I could see the conflict tearing at him as his jaw tightened. Rogan wasn't accustomed to delegating the work to others. However, this was now our
