Damien's POV
The moment Sofia stepped out of my room, the silence hit me like a punch to the chest.
I stood there with my back turned, breathing hard, pretending I didn't care.
But I cared.
Too much.
I closed my eyes and let out a slow, shaky sigh.
I was angry.
Furious.
Broken.
But gods… I still loved her.
Even after everything… the pain, the doubts, the stabbing… a part of me still wanted to pull her close and tell her everything would be fine.
I dragged a hand down my face and sat on the edge of the bed.
"I need to calm down," I muttered.
My wolf growled in my head, restless, pacing, snapping.
"Mate is hurting," he snarled. "Go to her."
"No," I whispered back. "Not now. I'll make it worse."
I forced myself to breathe.
Forced myself to stay still.
Forced myself to hold the anger instead of the truth:
I wanted to go after her immediately.
But I told myself—
Give her space.
Give yourself space.
Think first.
Calm down before you talk again.
