Devyn's fingers slowed and stilled as Waver began to weep, almost startled at the sudden raw emotion that came from him. The hesitation in her lasted several seconds, and then she was stroking his hair again, more purposeful this time, unafraid to touch him. With her other arm, she offered a place for him to lean into. The stroke of her fingers became longer, from his hair to the top of his back and back again.

"It's not all right," she whispered, strange words to fall from her lips. "It's not all right." His family gone, every cruelty given to him. The road would not be an easy one, but Waver would come out resilient. She needed him to hold on a little longer. "But I'm here."