In an Instant, Ezra had flipped away from Yuri, putting distance between them.
He landed in a ready stance, watching her warily.
"That… is a perfectly natural reaction." Yuri said dryly.
Ezra said nothing, watching her.
"Don't worry." Yuri said seriously, her eyes reflecting her sincerity. "I may have lost my humanity but not my values. I'm not the kind of Countess to sacrifice her Subjects even if it meant ending the war early, Ezra Matten. You're as safe here as you would be in your own home."
She sighed, looking up at Ezra. "Southside will be built on loyalty and trust. And I want you to be at the forefront, Ezra Matten."
Ezra studied her intently, knowing his safety depended upon his ability to discern if Yuri was being truthful or lying.
She had a way to end the war by using Ezra and she wasn't taking it. Ezra went through the reasoning he had given Yuri in his head. He knew she wasn't as greedy as Solomon, as ambitious as Helena or as egocentric as Griffin.
