The willingness to sacrifice anything...even yourself to protect the person you cared about most.
"We both want her alive," Victoria said finally. "That's enough for now."
Nicholas nodded slowly. "Then we work together. Against Thalia. To buy Lilith time to make her choice. And when it's over..."
"When it's over, we face whatever comes next," Victoria finished.
She held out her hand.
Nicholas looked at it for a moment, then clasped it in his.
His grip was firm. Solid. The handshake of someone who meant what they said even when it cost them everything.
"Truce," Nicholas said.
"Truce," Victoria agreed.
He released her hand and moved toward the door. But he paused before opening it.
"For what it's worth," Nicholas said, "I am sorry. About your sister. About Marcus. About everything my family's choices cost yours."
Victoria felt something crack in her chest but she did not let it show. "Sorry doesn't bring them back."
"No," Nicholas agreed. "But it's all I have to offer."
