"Kelly," he spoke at last, his voice rough as gravel, "my heart wars within me. A son's duty against what I've come to believe is right."

"Paul," I replied, stepping closer, feeling the gravity of his struggle, "your bravery does not go unnoticed. The choice to stand with us is yours alone. No judgment shall fall on you for heeding the call of kin."

He nodded, his eyes reflecting a storm of gratitude and pain. We both knew such words were but a small comfort in the shadow of betrayal.

It was ...