I would sooner die than see you in harm's way because of me. [Trahearne frowns, dragging a hand up her back to thread his fingers into her hair. He hated seeing her upset. If what he was feeling now was close to what she did when he'd told her about his suffering, he would never bring it up again. He couldn't stand it.]

... Pain comes, Lioriley. We prologue the periods between it, but it inevitably takes from us again. This island is a second chance to fight for happiness, and to come back stronger when we experience loss.

[He pauses, hesitating for a moment before he went on.] I can't fall harder in love with you if I'm stuck standing behind you.