He nods, his expression as solemn as my offering. “I can understand that. I give you my word that I’m not here to use you. That I want to join with you. Partner with you. That whatever you’re capable of, I’m not here to take it. I want the same thing you want. That’s why I’m telling you I hate him with every fiber and breath of my already damned soul. I’ve spent a lifetime trying to stop him. I can never admit that to anyone outside of this room, but I’m hoping that by telling you this, I might earn a small measure of your trust.”
