“I know I’ve hurt you,” he admitted, his voice thick with remorse. “But I swear to you, I was doing what I thought was . . . was the best way to protect you from him.” His gaze flicked to Coretha, who sat slumped on a bench, waiting for the siren to escort her to shore. His voice lowered, quickened as if he had to say this despite Coretha possibly overhearing. “I am rooting for you, Lore. I hope that you find Auroradel, bind it to you, but please, do not confront the king. Promise you won’t—”
