Chapter 42 A Trick

• The weight of Quinn's gaze bore into me, her mossy green eyes reflecting a tumultuous sea of doubt and fear. I could see the gears turning in her mind, the struggle between wanting to believe me and the horror she had witnessed. I knew I was asking a lot of her, perhaps too much. But I also knew that our bond, the connection that had grown between us, was stronger than the webs of deceit spun by the Order.
• I reached out, tracing the line of her jaw with my fingertips. Her skin was soft, warm, and slightly flushed from the emotional turmoil she was experiencing. She didn't pull away from my touch, but her eyes remained wary, questioning.
• "Quinn," I murmured, my voice low, soothing. "I know this is hard for you. I know it's a lot to take in. But I need you to trust me. I need you to believe in us."