247

RONAN

“Ronan,” she said through her crying. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Shhh,” I whispered, reaching out to touch her hand. But, she pulled away, covering her face as the tears fell.

“I broke your trust,” she sobbed. “I went to find Zel, I didn’t mean to… I didn’t want to betray you…”

I had done this. I had driven her to the point that she was in desperate need of forgiveness. I wanted to tell her it was alright. I wasn't bothered but the words stuck in my throat.

“And the rebels,” she continued. “All those people I captured, you know, I can’t stop seeing their faces, I betrayed them too. I don’t know how to live with that.”

I leaned in and took her hands gently in mine. “Listen to me, Maxine,” I said. “I won’t hurt them. I promise you that. I only needed to know where they stood. They’ll be treated fairly. I’ll make sure of it.”

She blinked up at me, tears still streaming down her cheeks. “You promise?” she asked.

“I promise. I won’t hurt them. I swear it.”

Her shoulders sagged w