So when this chapter was originally written, it was much longer. Too long actually, even without edits, and there was no good place to stop afterward. So I did the only thing I could do and found another place to stop, moving the rest of this chapter to the unedited Chapter 36. Honestly, that one is pushing the length as well, but not nearly as bad as this one was. This chapter, in many ways, turned into a transition chapter. I hope it is still interesting, as I always like to keep you all entertained, and maybe you'll see the sprouts of my tiny little seeds. Regardless, sharing my doubts about this chapter gives me some peace of mind, so I hope you'll excuse my nonsense.

Reviews:

plummy-kins: Thank you. I mean it, thank you for telling me how it made you feel. As for Hope's decision, it's a little hard to say right now, but I think it'll become clear later. But again, thank you, and I'm glad you understood the chapter. *hugs* It means a lot.

Anonymous: Your review made me smile. A lot of what you saw was there, don't worry. A lot is open to interpretation, but love and sadness and gratitude. It was all there. And I'm glad you caught on to Hazel and her significance. She became rather important there, and I'm glad you appreciated it. And I'm glad I still have it with those messy little scenes. *hugs* Thank you.

Lazy Luzuli: *hugs* I'm glad you think so! And I bet it is! I'm so coy with their story! :) But thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I got to read through your reviews again, and I must say, reading them all made me feel warm and happy. I thank you all for your kind words, and for those who are reading silently, for staying with me and this story for so long. Maybe I'm sentimental because of how long this project has gone, maybe i'm giddy from the 500 review count, maybe I'm just glad to know you're enjoying the story. But for whatever reason, I thank you all.

Well, I should stop rambling and let you all enjoy! Again, thank you readers.

"And there's no way around it?" Snow asked, following Rygdea up the stairs. Rygdea shook his head, glaring ahead at the stairs and then down the hallway as they reached the top. Rygdea glanced at Hope's door before leaning against the wall, running a hand through his hair. I think I'm getting too old for this. Never a good sign, is it?

"No….they refuse to budge on it. I mean, I've tried every angle, but they insist he has to be there." Rygdea sighed and bumped his head against the wall, "Which means I've gotta tell him that in three days, we have to ship him off with us to-to that place, and who knows what that will do to him." Rygdea shrugged, but the worry lines on his face remained.

Snow stared at him for a moment before he nodded, stepping away from the stairs. His eyes lingered on Hope's door, chest tightening at the thought of what was to come, and what they would all be going through. "And we're all going right?' Snow asked, not looking at Rygdea, "We'll all be going to this place, her hideout or whatever, and trying to…" Snow trailed off, eyes finally meeting Rygdea. The man shrugged again, pushing himself off the wall.

"I guess we'll be looking for a means to stop her, or trying to find out just what she's planning to do with Hope. So yes, bringing her target there makes so much sense," Rygdea spat, clenching his hands. I swear, if I had just a few minutes alone with one of those guys. He took a deep breath and looked back at Snow, trying to reign in his anger, "I have a feeling that if push came to shove, they'd be sending us there to try and get rid of her once and for all. Don't know if we can actually do it, but that's definitely what they want us to do."

Snow's brow furrowed and he shook his head, "I just don't get it man. I mean, after everything he's been through, and after that battle back at…" Snow trailed off again, his eyes going to Hope's door once more, "It just doesn't make sense."

"I know what you mean Hero, I know what you mean." Rygdea shrugged again, looking up at the ceiling, "But what can we do? They've got us backed into a corner. They've got us all backed into a corner." I should have seen it coming too. Damn this whole mess.

"Hmph." Snow grinned when Rygdea glanced back at him, giving the man a thumb's up, "Like we really need to worry though, right? I mean, come on, we can't lose." Rygdea blinked when Snow paused, watching as Snow's chest swelled a moment before he continued, "We're the good guys…so we can't lose right?" It had come out more of a question than Snow had intended, and the tall man seemed to realize it as the words left his lips. His grin slipped for a moment before it broadened and he shrugged, trying to cover it up, "We've come this far right? Can't trip at the finish line now."

Rygdea smirked and nodded, almost rolling his eyes and clapping Snow on the shoulder. Snow huffed and shrugged his hand off, but Rygdea just snorted, "Whatever you say big guy. Just don't go getting reckless out there." Rygdea stopped when he heard a moan coming from Hope's room, his hand falling to his side as he glanced back at the door. Snow glared at the door as well before glancing at Rygdea, taking a step toward Hope's room.

"We should check on hi-"

"No!" Rygdea grabbed Snow's wrist and shook his head, dropping Snow's wrist and walking toward the door himself, "Let me handle it. The last thing he needs is to worry about you seeing him in one of his nightmares. Having Lightning there was…" Rygdea didn't finish. He shuddered, thinking of how distraught and desperate Hope had been. We really don't need another one of those.

Snow gritted his teeth but nodded, trying to keep his voice even, "Yeah. I guess that makes sense. But come get me once he's okay. I wanna see him and have a talk with him about the next few days before this whole trip." Rygdea nodded before turning away, disappearing into the room and slamming the door shut before Snow could look inside. His gaze snapped to Hope as he thrashed in bed, breathing shallow and loud in the room.

"Hope?" Rygdea was at Hope's bed in seconds, eyes roving Hope's face as it scrunched up, another moan escaping him. Rygdea placed a hand on Hope's shoulder and shut his eyes, waiting for the flinch or hit or scream, but none came. Instead Hope stilled underneath his touch, a small breath escaping him as his face relaxed. Rygdea blinked in surprise, tightening his hold on Hope's shoulder and shaking the man, but Hope did not stir again.

"Hope, come on, you gotta wake up now." Rygdea raised an eyebrow when Hope leaned in to his touch, but his heart clenched when he saw something wet pooling in Hope's eyes. Come on kid. "Come on Hope, wake up. I need to talk with you. Come-"

Rygdea stopped when a smile made its way to Hope's face. It was small and serene, Hope's face going soft as it formed, and Hope opened his mouth.

"I know." The words were quiet, barely above a whisper, and Rygdea narrowed his eyes as the smile widened briefly. Hope's whole body relaxed on the bed, the muscles unknotting themselves and falling loosely at his sides. Hope blinked his eyes open, green eyes clouded over with sleep, but the peacefulness was still there. Quiet tranquility, and the more Rygdea looked at this silent content on Hope's face, the more his gut began to clench.

"Hope?" Rygdea asked, taking a step back from the bed as Hope sat up, rubbing at his eyes and letting out a yawn. Hope tilted his head to the side before glancing at Rygdea, his eyes narrowed and still clouded.

"Rygdea?" Hope asked, running his hands over his face, "What are you doing in my…" Hope trailed off, eyes widening as his thoughts kicked back up, and he looked away from Rygdea as his face grew warm. His cheeks were bright pink, and the back of his neck had a steady rise of color as well, but Rygdea ignored it. He steeled himself, eyes hardening as he studied Hope's movements. The slow and careful way he moved on the bed, the way he did not sweat or flinch or worry. And that smile. Was that normal? Was it?

I should know.

"What was your dream about Hope?" Rygdea asked, tilting his head away from Hope but watching him out of the corner of his eye. Maybe it has something to do with that. Hope twitched, eyes dropping to the floor, and Rygdea pressed on, "You were moaning in your sleep before. What happened? Another nightmare?" Rygdea paused, then added with a bit more conviction, "We can talk about it if you want."

"R-Rygdea I-" Hope's mouth hung open, the words gone before they had even formed, and he looked away. "I don't know…" Hope gripped the sheet wrapped around him, swallowing hard. "I don't know."

"Really?" Hope winced at the hard tone, knowing he was found out before even asking. But that didn't mean he had to tell Rygdea. He didn't have to tell anyone.

No one had to know.

"Because if you really don't remember anything-" Rygdea stopped when he caught a glimpse of Hope's bed, eyes widening when he saw the sheets were torn, frayed, and covered with dark, greasy soot. Several large, frayed patches littered the bed, almost forming Hope's body outline, and Rygdea sniffed the air, blinking as a wave of smoke hit his nose. He shut his eyes as they watered from the smell and looked at Hope again, "Then why did you wind up burning your bed?"

"Wh-What?" Hope whipped around, hands plunging into the sheets as he worked to cover the burns. His hands shook as he moved them over the holes in the fabric, pressing the edges together as if he could seal them shut, "I don't know-I don't know how this-" Hope shook his head, crumpling the fabric in his hands. "I mean, I don't know, I just, I was trying to-"

Rygdea's eyes softened and he leaned toward the bed, placing a hand on Hope's shoulder to stop his fevered movements. "Hope," Rygdea said, "I need you to calm down Don't worry too much about it-"

"But it's been…been happening so much lately and I-" Hope's eyes widened and he shook his head, refusing to look at Rygdea, but the man was already grabbing Hope by the shoulder and forcing him to look at him.

"It's been happening a lot? What do you mean?" What, what? Come on Hope, you have to tell me. You have to tell me so I can fix it.

I need to fix at least something for you.

Hope opened his mouth a bit, face pointed toward Rygdea but eyes searching the bed, and Rygdea tightened his hands around his shoulders. Hope winced, biting his lip before nodding his head, "I-I don't…I mean, I've been having more nightmares lately and all that. And I guess I've been-been losing control again." Hope watched as his hands began to shake harder, and he clenched his fingers and dug his nails into his palms until the muscles finally calmed themselves. "It's usually really small after a nightmare, just a tiny burst of magic or something. This was probably the worst one…" Hope mumbled, eyes straying to the burn holes in the blankets, "I'm sorry."

Rygdea was silent a moment, slowly releasing Hope from his grasp, "Don't…worry too much about it Hope. Not now at least." Rygdea tried to smile at Hope, but it was crooked and looked more like a lopsided smirk, and Hope just stared at him. Rygdea sighed, allowing the smile to fall, and sat by Hope on the bed. Hope wobbled slightly, hand grasping the blankets to keep his balance, and he rolled his eyes at Rygdea. Rygdea almost smiled then, and would have, were it not for the sudden change in Hope's behavior. He was barely able to talk to anyone without having a neat breakdown. Now he's rolling his eyes at me. I don't like it...

At all.

Rygdea glanced at him and sighed, shaking his head. "Turn around for me Hope."

"What?"

"Turn around and take off your shirt." Hope raised an eyebrow at him, but comprehension shone on his face and he nodded, grabbing the hem of his plain white shirt and peeling it off. Rygdea glanced at the brand as it flashed before his eyes, but Hope turned before he could get a decent look, showing his back instead. Rygdea leaned closer and studied Hope's pale skin, running his fingers along Hope's shoulder blades.

"No pain here? Now weird aches or anything?" Rygdea asked, lifting his fingers when Hope shuddered.

"No-No. Nothing lately. Do you think I'm all right or-" Hope stopped, fumbling with his shirt and looking down at his lap. Rygdea shook his head again, biting his lip. It seems normal.

"Let me see your brand Hope," Rygdea said, leaning back again. Hope jumped but nodded, pressing his hands on the bed and turning his body to face Rygdea. Hope looked down at his lap, eyes staring determinately at his legs, and his cheeks still had a pink tinge. Rygdea just leaned in, glaring at Hope's bright white brand and studying the small arrows that sprung from it. It looks the same as it always did. No special crystal, no weird marks or advancements. Just his brand.

But why is having trouble with magic in his sleep. It's not adding up. Nothing is wrong on the outside, so it has to be something inside. But what? What?

"Rygdea?" Rygdea shook his head, snapping out of his stupor to meet Hope's worried eyes. "Is everything okay then?"

Rygdea swallowed, leaning back and giving Hope a small nod, "As far as I can tell it is. But-But just be careful. We can never be too safe with these things." Rygdea ran his hands through his hair, yanking on the strands as he breathed in and out. I have to figure this out for him.

"Kay." Hope shrugged, pulling his shirt over his head.

Rygdea watched Hope out of the corner of his eyes, watching how Hope jumped when he noticed his stare. Hope slowly looked away from him and began to survey the room, pulling the hem of his shirt. Hope's eyes were softer than before, and the fear that had made them quiver and nail themselves to the floor when faced with someone was gone, replaced with quiet curiosity. Hope scanned his own room, mouth parted as if in quiet awe, and Rygdea felt something stir in his stomach again. Whatever it was left his insides cold, and each time Rygdea glanced at Hope, it would shoot up his stomach and into his chest, freezing his ribs. He wanted to ask Hope what was wrong, or if Rygdea was lucky and things weren't so bad, what was right with Hope, but stopped himself. As much as he wanted to know, needed to know, he had something to tell Hope.

"In a few days we'll be going back there." Straight to the point. There was reason to beat around the bush. Just make it worse, now that I think about it. Might just get angry, yell at me, or…

It's just better.

Rygdea waited, turning his head slightly when he received no immediate response or whimper. Hope was staring at his lap, hands still outstretched on the bed, and his forehead had lines running along the skin. His eyes were dark and Hope bit his lip, lost in thought. Rygdea felt the cold pool in his stomach widen, but pressed on, "In about three days actually. And there's no way around having you go. The military insisted so-"

"I know Rygdea." Hope's voice was calm and cool. There wasn't a single tremor in his voice, no waver to signify the poignant terror he should have felt, and probably did feel. Rygdea was expecting a breakdown. He was expecting screams and future nightmares before this trip had a chance to take off. He was expecting Hope to beg him not to go or for Hope to go into his head, beyond his reach. To dwell on what couldn't be avoided, to worry for everyone's safety.

He did not expect Hope to say he knows.

"Hope, did you hear me right?" Rygdea asked, voice harder than he meant it to be.

Hope's eyes shifted to Rygdea and he nodded, blinking slightly, "I know Rygdea. I mean..." Hope swallowed and Rygdea saw it then. Uncertainty. Fear. Hope questioning himself and the world around him.

He didn't feel better about it. If anything, his stomach only clenched tighter.

"We knew this was going to happen right? The moment Saorise launched that whole attack, even when she tried to get rid of you-" Hope's eyes scrunched up and Rygdea felt his heart twist, "So we knew I'd have to go," Hope continued, voice growing stronger. "But you've all...all tried so hard for me. And as much as I-as scared as I am, I have to go. I have to be there to protect everyone and maybe-maybe help you guys stop her once and for all." Rygdea nodded, but the cold feeling was growing. Dread. Fear.

Unknowing.

I should be happy. The kid is pulling it together. He's trying his best for us, is even willing to go into that bitch's hole again.

But...

But why am I so freaking scared? What the hell is he going to do? I need to know. I need to-damn, I just don't know anymore. Is this really how it has to be?

"I'm sorry Rygdea...for taking so long," Hope said, breaking Rygdea from his thoughts. Rygdea shook his head, meeting Hope's green eyes and finding himself put off by what he found. The quietness was still in Hope's eyes, as if Hope had really accepted that he was going back to that hellhole where Saorise was waiting for him. Where she wanted him to come, so she could try to take away everything Hope cared for. So she could try to take Hope again, back into that cabin. He was accepting it.

It's like he knows something...understands something. Why else would he be all calm like this? Is he really just getting over it, just willing to go forward and face the whole thing without looking back? I should be proud of him if he is. I should be glad.

Why can't I be happy about this?

Rygdea shook his head, realizing Hope was still waiting for a response. "Don't be sorry Hope," Rygdea said, "You don't have anything to be sorry for. Anyone would be-well..."

"Isolating themselves from the people who have helped him because of some psycho bent on destroying everything?" Hope added, a small smile on his face. He shrugged, blowing out a sigh and resting his hands in his lap, "Still...I guess...I just wanted to let you know." Hope sighed again and looked back at the burned blankets, his face scrunched up in guilt, "I'm worried about this though. It keeps happening, and I don't know what it means..."

"We'll figure it out Hope, don't worry. You should just rest up. The next few days will be hard and you'll already be having some trouble sleeping," Rygdea said, standing to go. He looked at Hope, watching as he looked around the room again, lost in his thoughts, and Rygdea waved a hand in front of his face, "Come on Hope, resting up also means joining us for dinner. We should get going."

Hope blinked, shaking his head and looking at Rygdea as if just realizing the man was still there. He nodded, pushing himself off his bed and following Rygdea out of his room. Rygdea held the door open for Hope, smirking as some comment about ladies first began to pop into his mind, but he halted as Hope glanced back at his room. Hope was slow, almost careful, as he walked away from his bed, and he stopped at the doorway and looked back at his room. Rygdea shuddered as he watched Hope finally turn around, his eyes still glazed over, the strange peace around him.

I should ask him...I should ask him what's up. This isn't normal. He's gotta be thinking too hard on something or some other shit and that's why he's like this. Before it took him forever to snap out of it. Why should it be different now? I don't think it's something he'd get used to after all...

Hope smiled at Rygdea, shaking his head, "You're right. We'll figure it out eventually. But first, dinner!" Hope nodded to himself and walked past Rygdea, leaving the man with his mouth open and his mind whirring. He wanted to ask, down to the very pits of his stomach, but a part of him was wary now. Ask Hope and ruin his confidence if I'm wrong? Ask Hope and prevent some disaster?

I think I'd rather prevent the disaster...but...dammit! I don't know!

"Hope!" Rygdea called, deciding before he could work himself up any further, "What's wrong with you? You seem different. Did something happen or are you just..."

Hope turned back at Rygdea, his smile falling slightly before retuning full force. He shook his head, giving Rygdea a small wave, "I'm fine Rygdea. I just decided...to stop running is all."

Rygdea glared as Hope turned back around, disappearing down the stairs before Rygdea could think of a response. He sighed and looked back at Hope's door, swinging it shut before following Hope downstairs. He knew he hadn't gotten a real answer.

And he was worried what the real one was.

Lightning stared at the front of Hope's door, her eyes glazed over as she fingered the doorknob, and she swallowed. This is completely idiotic. I am not some love sick high school girl. I'm not a twelve year old. I should be able to knock on Hope's door without a second damn thought.

Lightning blinked as the door came back into focus, taking a deep breath and knocking on the wood before she could stop herself. She nodded and stepped back, waiting for a response, but her mind began to wonder even as Hope's voice called on the other side. What should I say to him? I mean, with that assignment coming up so fast...

Where do I even start?

I can't just say something stupid like, "Everything will be all right." He won't believe. Hell, I don't believe me. But I can't say nothing about it. He needs...well, I think he needs a pep talk. And what about that-

"Light?"

He was so different at dinner yesterday. I just don't get it. He was smiling more and seemed peaceful, but how? After everything that happened, after all those dreams he had and the relapses, how can he suddenly just pop back to normal. He even joked with Snow after he tried to give him a pep talk of his own! Just smiled and hit Snow. Rygdea seems worried about it but he didn't say anything. But I know it's not normal.

"Light!"

That's another thing then. I'll have to ask him about that, and then see if he's just putting on an act. But...should I bring up-up the other thing. Ugh...why am I even thinking about it? I shouldn't be worried about that right now. You know better than that Farron, you're supposed to be focused on the upcoming mission, not thinking about your feelings or Hope or something like that. And when is he going to-

Lightning jumped when she felt a warm hand grab her upper arm, blinking as she was shaken. Hope's face came into focus and she felt her face warm up, her cheeks burning. She glared at him, but the way his eyes lit up told her he had seen the red on her cheeks. Scowling, she pushed her way inside of his room and sat herself on his bed, crossing her legs and glaring at him to come in. Hope rolled his eyes and shut the door, heading for the bed and sitting beside her.

"Took you long enough," she said, folding her arms over her chest.

"I said your name a few times before. But seriously, I was worried. You looked like you were worried about something." Lightning's shoulders slumped and she glanced at him, her face softening. Hope's eyes were searching hers, head tilted to the side as if he was still trying to name her worry.

"Of course I am Hope. You know why."

"Yeah." Hope sighed and looked at his door, twisting his hands in his lap, "We're all...worried about that huh?"

"Are you scared?" Lightning asked, looking at the floor, "It's fine if you are," she added, looking back at him, "I just want to know."

Hope's hand tightened in his lap and he nodded, "I'm terrified actually. I don't-I really don't want to go back there. I really...I just wish I didn't. But we all know how that turns out right?" Hope shook his head, a bitter smile forming, "The last place I want to go is there. I'm scared. I'm scared that somehow she'd get me again and I'd be stuck there, alone, with her coming every single day to-to-" Hope shuddered, pulling his knees up and burying his head in them.

Lightning slowly lifted her hand, hovering it over Hope's shoulder before gently pressing it down. Hope jumped at the contact and Lightning almost pulled away, but she relaxed as she felt his shoulder droop under her grip.

"You know we'd never let her do that to you Hope," Lightning said, "Never again." Her voice dripped with anger and hate, and Hope smiled, glancing at Lightning from between his bangs.

"I know Light. Thank you," Hope breathed out a sigh and lifted his head from his knees, letting his legs stretch out onto the floor again. "I know," he repeated, looking up at the ceiling, "It's why...it's why I'm going tomorrow. Without any fighting or whining, or just being scared." Hope turned to her, his smile soft and sure, "I want to be there for you."

"Hope," Lightning mumbled, her face feeling warm. She looked away, swallowing hard, and slowly lowered her hand from his shoulder to his hand. Her fingers wrapped around his slender wrist, and Lightning almost smiled at the way his pulse beat underneath her hand. Like a drum. Is he panicking? She glanced back at him, her own heart racing, and she watched as his eyes widened. His hand began to shake and he glanced at her, eyes roving her face, asking question after question without saying a word.

"Thank you," she said, slowly releasing him, "But you don't have to pretend to be brave. Not if you don't want to." Lightning did not see the look pf pain on Hope's face, the way his eyes scrunched up or the way he looked away from her. She did not see him grab his wrist or whisper a few words under his breath before forcing his smile back on his face. She did not see him pretend. But when she looked back, she could see that the unease was creeping back into his eyes. "Hope, when we go off to her hideout, I want you to know that I'll do everything I can to protect you, all right?"

Hope's head snapped up but Lightning plowed on, "I don't want you to think that I'll get myself killed either. I won't. I'm stronger than that and you know it." Lightning looked away, running a hand through her hair. This isn't coming out right... "What I'm saying Hope is that we just have to try, because-"

"There are some things in life you just do," Hope said, his eyes dark and smile sad, "Right?"

"Yes," Lightning said, nodding at him, "Sometimes there are things in life you just do."

Hope's smile widened and he nodded, standing up from his bed. He stretched his arms out and looked up at his ceiling again, eyes alight with something Lightning just wasn't sure of. It made his eyes almost too bright, too certain. "I want to protect you too," he said letting his arms drop to his sides. He turned to her, his smile in place and his eyes imploring, "I want to protect all of you. Even...even if it seems impossible. You'll let me...won't you?"

Lightning's mouth fell open and she found herself nodding, but somehow, her insides were starting to twist. It was odd...the way Hope was acting. Or is it odd? Why is he asking if he can protect us? He should know.

He should know...

"Hope, what's-"

"And when it's over," Hope said, cutting across her, his eyes hardening, "I'm going to tell you."

Lightning's breath froze in her chest, the icicles formed on her ribcage and clinked together as she tried to breathe. Hope was looking at her, his eyes dark and face set in a frown. He took a step toward her, nodding to himself, "I'll tell you Light. I promise I'll tell you. You deserve to know." His voice was almost shaking and Lightning felt her hands itch at her sides. She wanted to cover her ears, play deaf to Hope's words, but she couldn't look away. Why though? Why? Why now Hope?

"You deserve to know," Hope repeated, fisting his hand before nodding again, as if trying to convince himself more than her, "Everything that happened between me and Saorise. The whole fucking year." Hope kept nodding, as if he could hardly believe his own words as they escaped his mouth, "You'll know it. I promise. I promise."

Why? Why?

"Why?" her voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes never wavering from his.

Hope paused, blinking once before shaking his head. His smile returned, lopsided and bound to collapse, the tips twitching like beams about to give way from a heavy weight. Lightning's heart stuttered and seemed to thrum with each of Hope's movements, every small twitch, every time he glanced away. Hope swallowed, his smile slowly falling, easing into a frown as he took another step toward her.

"I just-" Hope stopped, his mouth opening and closing, eyes clenching shut before snapping open again. The words escaped him, fluttered just above his head before disappearing into the air. "I just want you to know. I think-I think it's been long enough." Hope's shoulders dropped, "It's all I can do..."

Lightning stared at him, stared and stared, but Hope did not shake his head and say he changed his mind. He did not stammer out an apology before saying he couldn't really tell her. Did not crumple under her gaze and say he couldn't do it after all, that he was weak. He was going to tell her. But the elation, the burning curiosity, had evaporated with his nervous words and movements. His forced smile had stolen her need to know, his desperate eyes made her hate herself for ever wanting to know. There was only this inkling of fear, the constant drip of uncertainty as his words nestled into her brain. She knew she had to say something, anything.

Her mouth stayed closed. Her voice was trapped in her throat.

"Light...whatever happens, I'm sure it'll turn out all right." Hope smiled again, running his fingers through his hair before rubbing the back of his neck. Lightning narrowed her eyes. Liar. "We'll figure this out."You fucking liar. "I know it." He nodded, his chest swelling, and Lightning's protest died on her lips.

When she left the room, Hope giving her another smile, his hands ghosting over hers, the word was still burning in her head, just like the small prick of fear.

He was lying...