Noctisardor Bypass faya

Etienne froze as Heda's voice found him on the wind. He had bedded down away from the main area to be alone and yet here she was. And guilt and shame collided in a maelstrom of aching fibers. That twirled and tightened. Sucked the breath from his lungs it was not her fault. None of this was her fault. But he had surely lain the blame.

Etienne blinked and pulled himself to his correct height. Glittering golden eyes taking her in and he knew. She knew. Whether she had heard them or Druid had given his secret Heda knew. And his eyes hardened at the edges and his face tightened, but there was a spark of warmth there.

Yes, but I won't. It is not my place. I will not be the reason a child does not 'ave a mudder. You will always love dem unconditionally 'eda. Dey are your fles"
' and your bone. More dan 'is. Always yours. I will continue as I am. And I will do better. But I will not allow you to do someting you will regret when you love dem to dey moon and stars. Dis I would not forgive you for.

It was a hard truth he gave her. But there were other options. Other ways. He wouldn't be a wedge inbetween a mother and a father amd their children. He would not. He would leave or die first.