Damon closed his eyes. So this was Xander's choice after all.
He had given him a choice, and predictably, Xander had let his hate consume him.
He glanced at the young man sitting across from him.
"I've always hated you, Xander Ravenscroft.... Do you know why?"
Xander narrowed his eyes.
"So what...."
Damon chuckled softly, leaning back.
"I hated how honorable you were. I hated how I could not embody such an ideal. To put it simply, I hated you for being you. There was nothing deep about it.... but"
He paused, clenching his fist tightly.
"I hate this version of you the most. You turn your back on truth and justice just to become this...."
Xander gritted his teeth.
"You believed in revenge.... You always have...."
Damon nodded slowly.
"Yes, and I am a hypocrite. But I will not deny you the right to choose your destiny."
Leaning back further in his chair, Damon closed his eyes.
"Do you remember when Sylvia was possessed in the Whispering Forest?"
