Ronan never takes a promise lightly, and this one isn't any different. He holds his breath, biting back the affirmation that wants to spill immediately from his lips, because the thing he wants so much to give isn't always the thing he's capable of giving.

Can he promise? If he ever finds himself in that position, will he be able to choose ruin for the man he loves? He may be Kylo's greatest strength now, but if he ever becomes the greatest threat to him, can he stay? Which of these terrible options would be the worst crime against his beloved?

But the measure here isn't the universal right-or-wrong. This is Kylo's wish, and Ronan in a position to grant it, and all of it depending on their faith in one another: Kylo's faith that Ronan will stay and Ronan's faith that Kylo needs him above all.

"I promise," Ronan swears, leaning in to Kylo's touch. "I believe in us."