Chapter 62 3/5 I told him about the dream , the goddess , the mistake that was made .


    He snorted .


    The mistake being that the shadow wounded you instead of me ? It seems like it , I said .


    But did I seed in saving you ? Are you all right ? Yes .


    He paused .


    Why did you do it ? I looked down at my carefully folded hands .


    My veins hummed with nervous energy , and my fingers wanted to move so bad .


    To twitch and fiddle and distract me from the way Dane was looking at me .


    I dont know .


    It was instinct , I said , truthfully .


    I saw what was about to happen and I couldnt stand the thought of you … I cut off and swallowed .


    But Im d youre okay .


    Dane let out a quiet breath and leaned forward , so his elbows were on his knees .


    Ive had some time to think about the things Ive learned .


    That you werent working for the Reeds all that time .


    To my shock and rising horror , he reached out and grasped my hand .


    My small , pale palm trembled against his .


    Dane , you shouldnt- No , his voice was harsh .


    I have to .


    Aurora , Ive done terrible things to you .


    For years , Ive caused you nothing but pain .


    At the Chapter 62 time , I thought you deserved to suffer the way I had .


    But you were innocent .


    4/5 I closed my eyes .


    Tears burned behind my lids and threatened to fall .


    It felt like the guilt would eat me alive .


    Dont say this .


    Not now .


    His hand tightened around mine .


    I have to .


    Im … not always a good man .


    I can be a ruthless bastard when I have to .


    But Ive always tried to keep one rule : dont harm the innocent .


    Honor , I whispered .


    If thats what you want to call it .


    His voice was just as quiet as mine .


    I was so certain of myself .


    But it turns out , I dont always know who the innocent are .


    Not even when theyre right in front of me , telling me , for years .


    He tugged my hand , and I was forced to look up at him .


    What I saw in his face , the tenderness there … A fist closed around my heart .


    I couldnt breathe .


    You didnt deserve any of it .


    Words can never make up for what Ive done to you , but Im sorry .


    Dane- But he didnt stop speaking .


    He drew me closer , until my hand was pressed against his heart .


    Until he could lean his forehead against mine , the way Holden had a moment ago .


    I will spend the rest of my life trying to make up for what Ive done .


    I want …