Gabriella pulls the simple hood over her face as she turns to look at Lily. She has this internal instinct to want to protect her and desires to have her stay back. It would be unfair.
She knows that there is no way that Lily is ready for this. She knows she isn't prepared for this and wishes Caesar was with them. But with Nica gone, there is only one way for them to go.
Looking down into Lily's eyes, Gabriella swallows her fear and does her best to put on a solid face, "We will need to go as soon as the sun sets."
"Why can't we go during the day?"
"Because we will be easier to spot at night; it is safer."
"Are there fewer demons out?"
"Yes, but they are more dangerous."
Lily trembles slightly as Gabriella runs her hand over her arm, "Don't worry, we will be safe."
"You can't promise that, can you."
"No, but I promise you will be safe."
Lily shakes her head, "I am unsure how you can promise that."
"Because no matter what happens, I will defend you as if my life depends on it."
Lily nods as she collects her bag with food items, knives, bedrolls, and other items. Standing up, she looks lost as she peers into Gabriella's eyes, "I don't think I am ready yet."
"You never are ready until the moment you are."
"I can't put you at risk; I am sorry, I must stay here."
"No, you don't need to."
"Gabriella, stop," Lily says, taking in her breath, "I am not ready, and we both know this. This isn't a fairy tale, and I can't imagine the pain if I was the reason you were killed."
Gabriella drops her head and thinks, "You know I could use your company out there."
"No," Lily sighs and looks to the ground. "I know you... I know you will miss me. But I will be here in case Zoe arrives."
Gabriella nods and runs her fingers through Lily's hair, "Sometimes the strongest thing anyone can do is admit they are not ready. The hardest thing for anyone to do is to admit their weakness. To admit they need help. I am afraid that is the one thing I fail to do repeatedly."
"To admit you need help?"
"To admit I need people in my life. I need Caesar to be there, to see me like he did the first time. I know he sees that spark in my eyes but is afraid to love. I see it is killing him to do so."
"It's not killing me to love you, Gabriella. I can't let my ego tell me I am ready to be at your side. Because I am not, I can start a fire... and that is all I can do besides keeping you warm at night."
"You could guard me while I sleep at night," Gabriella says with an easy smile.
"You don't sleep, and you know it."
Gabriella shrugs and smiles, "Maybe not, but I at least had to try."
"I know, but thank you for understanding," Lily says as she steps forward, gets on her tiptoes, and kisses Gabriella deeply, "I will be here waiting for you when you return, I promise."