Zion had never regretted a decision simply because it was difficult.
He did not know the real reason she had approached him in the first place.
But there was one thing he had been able to recognize clearly.
Whenever Callista stood before him, protected him, or spoke to him, there had been no hesitation in her actions. Whatever else might be hidden beneath the surface, that sincerity had been real.
Why was Zion willing to help her?
Perhaps because Callista was the first person who had stepped in front of him without asking what she would gain from it.
Perhaps because she was the first person to notice the pain hidden beneath his own composure.
Or perhaps there was no complicated reason at all.
Sometimes, instinct arrived before logic had a chance to catch up.
That was enough for Zion.
Across from him, Callista remained unusually quiet.
For someone who normally seemed so rational, sharp, and difficult to read, she appeared almost confused by his answer.
