Adrian was speechless for a long time. His lips parted but no words came out.
The man across from him didn't move either. He simply sat there, his calm gaze fixed on Adrian, studying every flicker of emotion on his face.
Adrian's mind was a storm of questions. Questions about his death. About the mysterious Pact. About what he had become if his human side had truly died. But he pushed them all aside. None of that mattered right now.
His voice trembled as he finally spoke. "How can I stop myself from hurting them? Please… I beg you… tell me… please."
His knees hit the floor.
Nothing hurt more than knowing he was causing pain to the very people he loved—those he had sworn to protect with his life. Every pained groan he heard from them felt like a blade twisting in his heart. It crushed him, each sound pulling him closer to despair.
He couldn't take it anymore. Whatever it cost, whatever he had to endure, he would do it.
"Make this stop."
