Chapter 73

• Elara felt a pang in her chest. She hated that he could see through her, that he could sense the turmoil she was trying to hide. But she couldn’t lie to him anymore. She had already pushed him away for too long.
• "I’m not avoiding you," she said, her voice tight. "I’ve just... been trying to figure things out."
• Damien took a step closer, his expression softening slightly. “Elara, I can’t pretend that I don’t see what’s happening. I know you’re struggling with this bond—the one you feel for Vesper. But I need you to know something. No matter what, I’m not going to let you go. I’m not going to lose you to this.”