Cooper sighs, running a hand through his fair-colored hair. She's so determined to do this for his own good. All he's wanted these past six months or so is more power and Nancy by his side. One without the other just isn't good enough anymore. She looks so fragile and vulnerable right now, a far cry from the tough girl who walked the streets every night and occasionally picked pockets.

He blinks hard, feeling a lump press up into his throat. "Don't I get say in this too? I don't want to break up with you. I'm gonna win that seat on the Night Council one way or another. If they try t'make a smear campaign out of our relationship, well, I've got plenty of ammunition to throw right back at 'em."