Does that surprise him? There are many things about Rama that surprises him, but that wouldn’t be one of them. Crozier’s heart was made for being broken and betrayed; he can be as angry as he wants in the moment, but he’ll mend and forgive. Ram’s protected his heart with a fine layer of steel - he’s had to. If something penetrates that protective layer it won’t heal so easily, but Crozier knows his heart is sincere and big and beautiful.

But he can’t tell how Ram feels about his own answer, if he’s reluctant to admit that he doesn’t worry about the others, that it will take some effort to earn his trust again. If it that’s even possible anymore.

“No,” he tells him quietly. “No, I saw the fires.”