Every instinct in my body screamed no.
Not because I didn't want to protect Ivy. I did. Not because I didn't know why I'd done what I'd done. I did.
But wanting something and choosing it were two different things.
I lifted my chin. "Yes."
Lucas swore loudly. Noah stared at me like I'd slapped him. Ivy's fingers tightened around mine.
My grandfather closed his eyes for a brief moment, then opened them again. "Then this conversation is not over," he said. "But it will pause."
Zane stood. "That's fine."
Lucas broke free from Noah's grip. "This isn't finished," he said to Zane. "Not by a long shot."
Zane met his stare without flinching. "I know."
And somehow, that made it worse.
Zane turned toward the door. Before leaving, he looked at me once more, saying. "The next time I'm here it's to take you home." With Just a glance. Nothing dramatic.
But my stomach twisted anyway.
The door closed behind him.
The silence he left behind was heavier than the one before he arrived.
Ivy turned to me slowly. "What did you do?"
I squeezed her hand. "What I had to."
Lucas ran a hand through his hair, pacing now. "You don't get to sacrifice yourself like this," he said. "Not for him. Not ever."
I didn't answer.
Because if I did, I'd have to say the part out loud.
And I wasn't ready for that yet.