Taking her hand in his, he drew the pistol from his holster and pressed it against her palm. “Promise me you won’t lose this one,” he whispered, his cheek rough against hers. Rune glanced up at him. What? But he was already stepping away. Leaving his gun in her hand. “And if someone tries to hurt you,” he said, “and there’s no other way to stop them, don’t think twice. Just shoot. Got it?” She frowned, watching him pick up her casting knife from the floor, then sheath it in his belt. As if they’d made a trade. He didn’t close the gap again. Just stood to the side, leaving her path to the door
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