Page 65 of Finn
Here I was, tossing doubt into the mix like some clumsy fool who didn’t know better.
My words had been selfish, driven by fear and guilt rather than reason.
What was wrong with me? I should’ve known better. Ididknow better.
But the pressure of everything, the danger stalking us, the weight of our choices, and the consequences we couldn’t outrun, had cracked something in me.
I had let it slip, that tiny kernel of doubt I didn’t even know I’d been carrying.
And now, Finn was walking away from me, his shoulders tense and his steps brisk.
He hadn’t said much, just a curt “I need some air,” but the way his voice had wavered told me everything I needed to know.
I’d hurt him, and if I didn’t fix this soon, I might lose the one person who loved and cared about me.
I ran a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling beneath my skin.
Apologies didn’t come easy to me. They never had, but this wasn’t just anyone. This was Finn.
If I couldn’t set aside my pride and own up to my mistakes for him, then I didn’t deserve him in the first place.
I followed him, keeping a careful distance.
Finn’s emotions were always written across his face for anyone who cared enough to look, and right now, he was hurting.
But I couldn’t leave him alone in this state, not when the world was as dangerous as it was, not when Gael or Asher could be lurking nearby.
The town was quiet, its streets nearly empty. Finn walked quickly, his hands shoved into his pockets, his shoulders tight with tension.
The sight of him like this, radiating hurt and anger, twisted something deep inside me.
Eventually, he stopped at a run-down motel on the outskirts of town.
The neon "VACANCY" sign flickered weakly, casting a dull red glow over the cracked asphalt of the parking lot.
I hung back as Finn entered the reception area, watching through the window as he exchanged words with the clerk.
Moments later, he stepped out with a key in his hand.
Finn made his way to a room on the first floor, his steps slowing as he approached the door.
Finn paused in front of it, gripping the key tightly but not using it. His shoulders rose and fell with a deep breath.
“You’re there, aren’t you?” he said, not turning around. “I… don’t want to stay mad at you, but you make it so easy.”
My chest tightened. I stepped out of the shadows.
“Finn,” I began, my voice low, unsure.
He turned to face me, crossing his arms over his chest.
His eyes burned with emotion. Anger, hurt, and something softer beneath it all.
“I’m sorry,” I said, stepping closer.
I considered my next words with care before speaking again.
“I let my personal fears get to me. The truth is, I don’t ever want to leave you. You chose me over your family, over the Guild. That’s not something I take lightly. I just… I only hope I can be worthy of that choice.”
