And here was the truth of everything, wasn't it? Senna could understand in an abstract way. There were certain truths--maybe one's own selfishness or maybe a murder to save yourself. Maybe something else altogether. There were certain truths that shifted the entire world. A belief of being unloved for one's actions, maybe. A need to hide the truth of what they were in fear of being rejected and abandoned.

...Yes. Senna could understand that entirely. More than almost any.

She glanced over to Nigredo, raising her eyebrows lightly, almost amused. But she smiled reassuring, nothing but ease in the expression. “I am your friend, Nigredo. You just have to choose if you want to be mine.” She watched him carefully, serious. “I’ll stand by you, if you let me.” Because no one should have to be alone. Least of all, for her reason. “I’m not going to walk away.”