He gazed into the fire, hugging his legs to his chest tightly and actually allowing her to offer him that small comfort. Here, where no one knew where they were, where they couldn't easily be seen or overheard.

He couldn't bring himself to look at her, letting out a long sigh as he closed his eyes. "Don't die for them," he replied softly. "It may feel noble in the moment, but if you give away your life, you condemn those who care for you to suffer. Every person they lose is another stone on their chest." His voice was thick and if she looked closely, she might see tears freezing to his cheeks.