You catch Jesse outside the stables, slipping his pack over one shoulder like he’s just heading out for another patrol. But you know better.

“You weren’t even going to tell me?” you ask, stepping into his path.

He freezes. “I didn’t want the fight.”

“You’re leaving after her, aren’t you?”

He looks away. “I have to.”

You fold your arms, hurt digging deeper than anger ever could. “So I don’t matter? Family doesn’t matter?”

That’s when he finally meets your eyes. “Of course you matter. But if I don’t help her… I won’t recognize the person I become.”

Silence hangs thick between you. His voice cracks just slightly as he adds, “I need you to stay. Because when this is over—if it ends—I need someone to come back to. Someone who reminds me who I was.”

“What if you die?” You mumbled

“I won’t. I promise. But you need to stay” he cupped your cheeks up, to make sure you are looking at him.

The wind picks up. Horses stir behind the fence. You’re standing at a crossroads.