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Kade tucked an errant strand of hair behind my ear "You’re kind, smart and tenacious, and I love the way you’re so quick to help others And there lies the problem You rush off to solve Sitia’s problems and you don’t needyou safe withoff for Sitia this ti selfish"

"An exception What about next time?"

"Valek could teach--"

"I already have a job I’d like a houess"

"Guess?" An eyebrow spiked

"I can’t see past this…uncertainty with lass would show ht focus point, I didn’t believe it

"Whether or not you reclaie"

He had a point Yet, deep inside, I equated planning reed to stay with Kade and work for the Council, I was ad defeat

Kade watched me "You’re conflicted about ?"

Ti, but the beautiful scenery didn’t even register inmy pace, Kade stayed next to me After a few moments, he asked, "How bad is it?"

"Bad"

"Have you and Janco decided to run away to Ixia together?" Kade joked

He surprised a laugh from me "I’d kill Janco before we reach the border" Then allto like this"

"Just tell me, Opal"

So I did The words rushed out

Kade stopped in disbelief "Devlen? You kissed Devlen?"

Feeling miserable, I nodded

"But he… How could…?"

"I don’t knohy Maybe because he understands what I’ht now"

"I--"

"Can’t understand I’m sorry it happened, but I can’t erase the past I love you I do, but I need hiiven ives et on with my life"

"With me?"

"I’m here"