She glanced up into those smoky-gray eyes. Her stomach fluttered with that one look. How had she once thought him so sinister? She knew objectively that he was terrifying, but when he looked at her, it wasn’t there anymore.

“I might have gotten involved with a group called RFA—Rights For All.”

Fordham waited. He didn’t interrupt. Just sat there and let her tell her story.

“It’s an organization that is trying to petition the Society for equal protection and rights under the law. A representative on the council, a say in the government, better treatment by the Guard, that sort of thing.”

“I’m sure that’s popular,” he said sarcastically.

“Yeah. Well, more people than I thought, honestly. I went to a meeting with Clover and found out that I’m”—she huffed in annoyance at the next words—“some sort of celebrity.”

He arched an eyebrow.

“I know. It’s ridiculous, but I’m here right now, and believers are taking that as a symbol that the Society is ready for change.”

“Okay.” He still sounded dubious.

“So, I went to a protest and spoke to some people there. We marched through the streets, and it was amazing. I felt so supported. I’ve wanted this for so long.” She shook her head. “But Bastian found out I was there.”

“Is he going to kick you out?” His voice was laced with concern.

“No, he wants me to be careful. If Lorian gets wind of it …”

Fordham grimaced. “Don’t let him find out.”

“I know. But how do I get people to participate and the Society to listen if I stay hidden?”

Fordham was silent for a moment, as if he didn’t have an answer. But then he finally met her gaze again. “I haven’t been the best advocate for human and half-Fae rights. I was raised to see them… you, as lesser. Though I am trying to be better.”

She nodded, knowing what the admission had cost him.

“Could I join you the next time you go to something for the RFA?”

Kerrigan blinked. That wasn’t what she’d thought he’d say. “You want to come to a protest?”

“You shouldn’t stay hidden. You can’t be contained, and no one should try to force you. Wild and untamed are the only ways in which you should exist,” he said, his hand sliding across the distance between them and settling on hers. Her pulse jumped in the hollow of her throat at the bare touch. “I want to be there to see you change the world. Because I already know that you will.”

Kerrigan’s throat bobbed. She didn’t have words.