Crow’s heart sank as Penelope began to speak. While he was the one who had pushed her to admit that she was planning to end things between them, he still dreaded to hear the words come out of her mouth. He tried to remind himself that it was for the best, that she would be better off without him, but now that the moment had finally come, it was hard for him to focus on the logic over the pain. He opened his eyes again and forced himself to hold her gaze, not wanting to come off as weak or desperate when she told him she was done.

However, as he stood there listening, her words caught him by surprise. He frowned in confusion. [i]She thinks I want to end it too?[/i] When she finished speaking, he hesitated for a moment, unsure what to think. The conversation certainly hadn’t gone the way he had been expecting it to go. He had been sure she would tell him that she couldn’t lose her family’s respect or give up her position as a knight to be with him, but instead it sounded like she was more concerned for his sake than her own. [i]Maybe she just wants me to not think her selfish?[/i] he wondered. Either way, he wanted to know that she was making this decision because she wanted to, and not just because she thought he was afraid for his own safety.

“Penelope,” he shifted his weight. “I appreciate your concern, but you don’t have to do this. I know that if you stay with me, I’m going to be the catalyst that destroys everything you’ve built for yourself. William [i]was[/i] right, but he was right that I’m going to ruin your name when we get back to Brerra.” He winced at the thought. “As soon as word gets out that you’re with me, I don’t know what will happen, but I do know that it can’t be good. I love you too much to be the man who makes you lose everything.”

He smiled at her melancholically, “You’d be better off with someone who will help you rise up rather than a criminal who will just drag you down. So, please… just say that this is what you want. I need to hear it so I can let you go.”