“I put you in this position by doing what I thought was best for you. I’ve made choices that altered your life irrevocably, and whether or not you regret it, I do. Because I can see now I’ve caused you further pain. And I can admit that perhaps I don’t know what’s best for you.” He stuffs his hands into his pockets, jaw set with reluctant determination. “What I want for you is simple. I can’t change what’s happened, but I can change how we go forward. And going forward, I want you to be happy.”

I open my mouth to respond, but he shakes his head, forcing the rest of the words out even though it’s obviously difficult for him.

“I know you’re capable of standing on your own. You’re old enough to make decisions for yourself, even if I don’t necessarily agree with them. It pains me to admit that I’ve made great miscalculations in judgment and entrusted you with people I shouldn’t.”

He doesn’t mention Judge by name, but it’s evident by the way his eyes flare that’s exactly who he’s referring to. I want to defend him, tell him it wasn’t Judge’s fault, but Santi doesn’t give me that chance.

“This is where we’re at. You said you want to live a life free from the rules, but I need you to be aware of what that choice means. Without being wedded, you will be an outcast from IVI. That I cannot change for you. They will whisper. They will judge you for it, even if it is irrational. So if this is the path you choose, I must advise you that you have to be willing to let that part of your life go. You will no longer attend the events. You won’t associate with your friends in The Society. You will have to accept a different life from the one you have always known. But in doing so, there is one assurance I can give you, and that is regardless of you severing those ties, there is one that can’t be broken. You are a De La Rosa. You are my family, my blood, and nothing will ever stand in the way of that. Do you understand?”

“I understand.” I blink through my glassy eyes. “That’s all I care about, Santi. If I can still see you and Ivy and Elena, I know everything else will be okay.”

He nods, clears his throat, and then speaks firmly. “I’m signing over your trust to you. You have my blessing to make a life for yourself outside. However, there is one point I won’t negotiate on. For my own peace of mind, I need to know you’re safe, so you will have two guards watching over you until this situation with Vincent Douglas is resolved. Do you accept these terms?”