The end of the rope

Nathaniel exhaled softly, his smirk fading into something quieter—more contemplative. He tilted his head slightly, watching her with that unreadable intensity of his.

I suppose I like to keep you on your toes, he admitted, though there was an edge of something else beneath his words, something he wasn’t ready to voice. Can’t have you thinking you know me too well, now can I?

His gaze darkened, serious once more as she spoke of loss. He wanted to tell her that she wouldn’t lose him, that he’d make sure of it—but Nathaniel had seen too much to make promises he couldn’t keep. Instead, he reached out, briefly clasping her forearm—strong, steady, grounding.

I’ll do everything in my power to survive this, Rosalie. You have my word.

He let go just as quickly, his expression carefully composed again. When she teased him, the corner of his mouth twitched upward.

A gentlemanly Warden? Now there’s a contradiction if I’ve ever heard one. He crossed his arms, raising a brow. And as for debts—oh, I wouldn’t ask for anything too ridiculous. Just a lifetime of owing me favors. Nothing unreasonable.

His teasing tone faded as she outlined the grim reality of their situation. He nodded, the humor vanishing from his face, replaced by the quiet resolve of a man who had long since made peace with impossible choices.

Then let’s make sure everyone who can be saved makes it out. He stepped beside her, his voice low but sure. And when we leave, we don’t look back.