Liam stared at the floor for several moments after I finished speaking. His thoughts churned and rumbled through his head as he took in the request. I, for my part, did not press my friend. I merely sat there in silence and watched him deliberate with himself. Charlotte clutched my hand tightly and I offered her a tired smile.

“I’ll do it.” The words fell from Liam’s lips before he’d even realized he’d said them. He glanced up at me and held my gaze. I could tell that the promise he was making was already beginning to wear on him.

But he would do it. His family had been with the ours for generations. The love and loyalty he felt for us was so ingrained that he would be willing to let go of his own desires with only a little bit of regret. I hoped. I abhorred what I was being forced to ask of him, but it was all I could think of to ensure CherryPop’s safety.

I moved and knelt before him and took his hand in mine. “Thank you Liam. Thank you.”

Charlotte stood. “We need to leave. Now.” she said.