AYLETH
"What are you sorry for?" Ayleth asked Etan, her tone making it clear the question was a challenge.
Etan swallowed. "For not telling you what was happening with your mother. For making the decision without asking you. I know it was poorly done. But it truly was because I feared for your life. I vowed to keep you safe, and I will."
She nodded. She didn't think he was lying.
It also didn't stop her being madder than a hornet stuck in a jar.
And afraid, she realized. Perhaps more afraid than angry. If he would leave like that… if he believed it had been the right thing to do… what would it take to make him do it again? Did she need to sleep with one eye open for the rest of her life, in fear of his disappearing like a breath of wind in the night?
"Ayleth, please tell me you believe me."
She nodded again, but looked down, away from his handsome face, and the intensity of his eyes, fixed on her and pleading.
