I watch the back of Abel's head for a moment before opening the door. Coming to him was the right thing to do, it always was. Abel is my other half. If ever there was someone to release me of a weak heart, it would be him.

My dear cousin means the world to me. He is my only ally and I lost him. Deep in my heart I know he didn’t want to blame me but his heart is set on that training and I had been beginning to think that took priority over family. I hope he would see reason but I can't not blame him if he doesn't. Breaking free from this castle is a dream not only held by me.
But I can't imagine having to reason with someone who stole your future.

Maybe I don't know him as well as I thought. Maybe I didn't know myself. Maybe my world is turning upside down and I can't find my footing.

And you shouldn't choose to care about someone. There shouldn't be a time and a place for it. Either you do or you don't. Don't try.” He looks off. “There can be falseness in trying to do something that should come naturally to people.

There's a fine line between being truthful and being a complete jerk,” I respond and with that I turn my back to the fire. I mutter an obligatory 'goodnight' before falling into sleep.

Grin is still beside me. His arms are hung tightly as his side and I take his hand. It is like touching stone and he turns stiffly toward me as we begin making our way back to where Rosso had camped the horses. We are both quiet but I know we were both thinking the same thing. That we wish we were out there and that we wish this wasn't happening at the same time. I suddenly feel the need to apologize to him too. It is because of me that his father and brothers are in this situation but that was their choice. When he looks at me, I can see forgiveness in his eyes. Neither of us have to speak to understand and neither of us look back at the people we leave behind.