Nancy recognizes the change in his voice, in his eyes, and she stills, her back rigid. Like if she moved too suddenly, it would all be over. If she had enough cause to actually examine her actions, it was clear where they were rooted.

"And if you win? What then- you can't be on the Night Council and date a fucking whore, Cooper." She hated when others called her a whore, but when she said it- when she said it, it was different. It was right. "You're the best one for the job, but you won't win if you're with me."

She took a deep breath, still holding on to his hand.

"I don't want to do this. I love you."