Of all the things Raven could’ve possibly said to Azzmi at that moment, this wasn’t one of them. It made her jaw drop in surprise.

“Are you serious?” she asked quietly.

Raven casually nodded. “Of course I am.”

“But—”

“Listen to me,” he continued, still towering over her. “Your dad said so much that night, and it really got me thinking, just like I told you before. That’s why I need to have you close. I won’t let anything happen during this time, and what better way ...