Chapter 120 The Beast Within

• Michael glanced down at our joined hands, the tension in his body easing slightly. His dark brown eyes bore into mine, but when I hugged him, his expression softened. With a nod, his arrogance gave way just enough for him to say, "Go ahead."
• Turning back to my parents, the sadness in their eyes mirrored my own. The sight of them standing there, heartbroken, made my chest tighten. I forced a smile and stepped forward, wrapping my arms around them. I felt my mother’s tears soak through my shirt, and my father’s gentle pats on my back as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. I blinked back my own tears, not wanting to break down.
• I whispered, "I'm leaving. Please, don't worry about me."