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“No,” she said firmly, striding after him. She would make him listen. She would make him understand that all of this was her fault. He couldn’t give up, not this easily. He had said some terrible things to her, but deep down inside, she knew without a doubt that he hadn’t meant any ofit.
Taveon was scared to let anyone get close to him. She could see that now. He’d been scared all his life, hiding secrets from the world, too scared of what his life might become if anyone became aware. And none of it had been his choice. His father had forced him into the lies, raising him as if he were his true-bornson.
Taveon could have run away, but he hadn’t. He had stayed. Not because he sought power but because he dreamed that he could one day turn Underworld into a differentplace.
Bree saw all of that now, as clear as day. She didn’t know why she hadn’t seen itsooner.
“What is it that you wish me to say?” Taveon threw up his hands. “That I am sorry? Well, I am. I am sorry I said what I did. I am sorry I brought you here against your will. You know, when you were lost—or when I thought you were lost—I had a sudden clarity in my head. Everything became clear, and I finally understood what I had to do. I was going to tell you that I was giving you your freedom myself. I was going to tell you that I would no longer force you to stay here, that I would no longer force you to be my champion. So, you are free, Bree Paine. You should gohome.”
Bree’s heart hurt at his words. It was the truth. She could see it written all over his beautiful yet pained face. His shoulders slumped forward as if in defeat, and his eyes were cast to the floor. With a deep breath, Bree closed the space between them and pressed her hand on his arm. He stiffened, but he didn’t pullaway.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “And I forgive you, if you’ll forgiveme.”
“Of course I forgive you, Bree,” he said roughly. “I never blamed you. Now, go. This world is not for you. You deserve better than...this. And you deserve better thanme.”
