Blackfeather Woods Walking by your side

She returned his smile—a soft curve of her lips saved only for him and moments like this. She had never allowed herself to fully rely on anyone; she had heavily constructed walls in place to keep her from ever being completely vulnerable with anyone, and every time he did something to support her and her niece, they weakened just a little. Again, she found herself filled with two contradicting emotions—fear and comfort. She wondered when she would be able to finally give in, but she also feared that moment. To be completely open to someone else was terrifying; it would give him the power to hurt her more deeply than anyone ever had before. Instead of dwelling on the fear, though, she tried to focus on his promise that they would deal with things together and let that soothe the uncertainty in her heart. 

As for his request, she just looked at him for a few moments, a wrinkle forming between her eyebrows and she frowned. He wanted to go on his own? That would mean she would be here, worrying about whether or not he was safe. She wasn't sure she was okay with that. She also wasn't sure if it was really fair to him to make him meet her brother for the first time without her. Siarut might choose to play the concerned big brother and act like an asshole, especially if she wasn't there and he could get away with it. Besides: It is just as dangerous for you as it is for me. She let the worry filter into her expression as she thought of all the things that could happen. I do not think  I could let you travel back there on your own. Just as it would pain you if I went, it would also be torture for me. She couldn't imagine staying here for a week and not knowing if he was okay. Suddenly, she realized why his reaction had been so strong when she had proposed she go on her own.