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“That is because it is an option I refuse to consider” Rarev’s deep voice held the hint of a growl “I must step down”

“No,” Em insisted

She was getting better at seeing into hih the bond between them was a doorway into another world—the world of the Monstruh it and now she was able to see clearly what he thought

“I see it now!” she exclaio to your priestess—Grandht be possible while the bond is still fresh and new, because it’s fragile at this stage”

Rarev frowned

“I refuse to do that to you, E you to me, I must also accept the responsibility that co”

“Well I refuse to accept the responsibility of et the bond dissolved so that you can keep serving your people and I can keep serving mine!”

Just saying the words hurt her Already the bond felt like a part of her heart—losing it would be like ripping a chunk of her soul out But she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt it was the right thing to do She couldn’t be the cause of Rarev losing his leadership of the Monstrum

Also, she knew the horrid, nasty things the tabloids back hoe warrior They would accuse her of being a dirty politician—of working against the interests of the Earth She would never hear the end of it…

“I can feel your pain at the idea of severing our bond, but I can also feel your certainty that it’s the right thing to do,” Rarev murmured “Not just for me, but for yourself as well”

Eed helplessly

“We kneas never going to work,” she said, though she felt like crying as she said it “We knew a long-term relationship between us was impossible I just think—“

“That I should get the bond severed as soon as we get back hoh I do not want to do it”

“I don’t either,” E down her cheek and swiped it aith the back of her hand “But I don’t see what else we can do”