"They could take you," Arden pointed out. "I don't know if they could keep you, but I'd prefer if they didn't take you anyway."

She wasn't trying to protect you (exactly), Gray! But you were her friend and she didn't want bad things to happen you. Especially not things that were because of her.

And besides, she had a whole year to convince you that she deserved a fun birthday present that backfired horribly!

"If they set up an exchange, what do you think I'd do?"

IT WOULD BE SOMETHING STUPID, GRAY. SELF-SACRIFICING AND STUPID.