He will not tell her the truth. When he earned his rank, he couldn't admit much of what he felt to his fellow Spartans. He understood the importance of morale, and of showing strength where others could break.

He doesn't want to tell her that he's afraid.

For the first time in years, he feels the weight of an entire universe over his shoulders. Even after having prepared for so long, he's not only facing the kind of warriors he encountered in several worlds. He would abandon the entire life he built. And the person most precious to him.

"Come with me."