Elias’s POV

Ronan didn’t leave the room immediately.

He stayed seated beside me, shoulder pressed against mine, silently thinking.

His breathing was controlled, steady.

Mine wasn’t.

“Ronan,” I whispered. “What exactly are you planning to do?”

He didn’t answer right away.

“I will create a distraction,” he finally said. “One strong enough that Hale has no reason to look at you again.”

My stomach twisted painfully.

“No. Hale is already suspicious. If he thinks you ...