Meredith.
Draven withdrew his hand, leaning back, his expression shadowed by the firelight.
"This is why you think I am heartless in some of my decisions. But no, Meredith… it is simply me letting my mind lead me."
His eyes darkened, voice dipping lower. "Sometimes, I must make little sacrifices for the greater good. Even if it means shedding innocent blood."
My stomach turned at the bluntness of it. My lips pressed together, unease prickling through me.
As if sensing it, Draven's mouth curved into a small smile. He lifted a hand to cup my face, his thumb brushing against my cheek. His touch was warm and steadying.
"You have much to learn," he said, softer now. "And I will be happy to put you through."
The reassurance should have soothed me, but my chest tightened instead. His earlier words echoed sharply inside me. Shedding innocent blood.
