“I wish you'd gone with Alastir and Kieran,' he said quietly. 'You would be far away from here. Safe.'

I opened my eyes.

Casteel stared into the darkness. 'But I'm glad you're here. Spessa's End needs you. I need you.' He looked at me then. 'But I still wish you weren't here.'

I could accept that. 'I wish you weren't here,' I whispered.”