"By takin' away me choices. By decidin' what's best fer me without askin' what I want." Ada's voice shook slightly. "That's exactly what me father did. Exactly what every man in me life has done. Decided I was too weak, too foolish, toofragiletae make me own decisions."
"Ada, that's nae what I meant."
"Then what did ye mean?" She moved closer again, her finger poking his chest. "Because from where I'm standin', it sounds like ye dinnae trust me. Dinnae believe I can dae this."
"I trust ye completely. It's the situation I dinnae trust."
"Then trust that I ken what I'm daein'. Trust that I wouldnae suggest this if I didnae think it would work." Ada's eyes searched his face. "Please, Magnus. We're runnin' out of time. If we wait too long, if we let them make the first move…"
"Then we lose. I ken that." Magnus ran a hand through his hair, frustration and fear warring in his chest. "But Ada, if somethin' happens tae ye—if I let ye dae this and ye get hurt—I couldnae live with that."
He stopped, his throat tight.
Ada's expression softened slightly. "I ken ye're afraid. So am I. But I'm also tired of bein' afraid. Tired of lettin' fear make me decisions fer me." Her hand came up to rest against his chest. "I need tae dae this, Magnus. Fer me. Fer us. Fer everyone on this island."
Magnus stared down at her, saw the determination in her eyes. The strength. The absolute certainty that she was right.
And realized that no matter how much he wanted to keep her safe, no matter how much the thought of losing her terrified him, he couldn't make that choice for her.
She deserved better than that. Deserved to be treated as a partner, not a possession.
"If we dae this," he said finally, his voice rough, "we dae it with rules. With precautions. With backup plans."
Hope flared in Ada's eyes. "Ye'll let me go?"
"I hate it. I hate everythin' about it. But aye." Magnus pulled her close, pressed his forehead against hers. "But if anythin' feels wrong, if ye sense danger fer even a moment, ye get out. I dinnae care about the plan or the information. Ye get out and ye come back tae me. Understood?"
"Understood." Ada's arms wrapped around his waist. "Thank ye. Fer trustin' me."
"Dinnae make me regret it." Magnus's hands moved up her back, held her tight. "Because if anythin' happens tae ye, I'll tear this island apart lookin' fer whoever's responsible."
Ada pulled back enough to look at him. "I'll be careful. I promise."
Magnus wanted to say more. Wanted to tell her exactly how terrified he was of losing her. But the words stuck in his throat, replaced by a different kind of urgency.
He kissed her. Hard. Desperate. Pouring every ounce of fear and love and need into it.
Ada responded immediately, her hands fisting in his shirt, pulling him closer. The kiss turned heated, frantic, both of them seeking reassurance in the only way they knew how.
Magnus's hands moved to the laces of her gown, working them loose with shaking fingers. Ada's own hands were equally unsteady as she tugged at his shirt, desperate to feel his skin against hers.
Magnus lifted her onto the table, scattered parchments falling to the floor as he stepped between her legs. Ada's gown fell open, and Magnus's mouth moved to her throat, her shoulder, tasting salt and fear.
"Magnus," she breathed, her head falling back.
"I need ye." His voice was rough against her skin. "Need tae feel that ye're here. That ye're safe."
"I'm here." Ada's legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer. "I'm right here."
What followed was desperate and consuming. Magnus took her there on the table, both of them clinging to each other like they were afraid to let go. And when release finally came, when they collapsed against each other breathing hard, Magnus held her like she was the only thing keeping him anchored to this world.
"I love ye," he whispered against her hair. "Gods, Ada, I love ye so much it terrifies me."
"I love ye too." Ada's hands framed his face, made him look at her. "Which is why I'm goin' tae come back. I promise ye, Magnus. I'll come back."
He wanted to believe her. Wanted to have faith that everything would work out.
But the fear wouldn't leave. Wouldn't let him rest.
