---- reverberating in her ears.
He sounded so broken, so unlike the stoic man she''de to know.
I''ve lost too much already, he continued, his words tumbling out like an avnche, unstoppable and heavy.
I''ve failed too many people.
I won''t fail you.
Please, don''t go.
L...
You just can''t go.
His words hung in the air, an open wound neither of them knew how to mend.
Alexias heart ached, her walls cracking under the weight of his vulnerability.
She wasnt used to seeing him like thisunguarded, desperate.
At loss of words.
He pulled back, his piercing green eyes searching hers in concern Are you hurt? Did they hurt you? he asked, his tone urgent, as if her silence was confirmation of his worst fears.
And that''s when she sees a gash on her arm...
The creature must have shed her even she dodged.
---- Chapter 455 I''m fine, she lied quickly, tugging her sleeve lower to conceal the gash The sharp sting of the wound was nothingpared to the warmth of his concern.
But Damien wasn''t convinced.
His eyes roved over her, frantic.
Let me see Damien.
She ced a hand on his chest, her voice firm but gentle.
T''m fine.
The creatures didnt touch me.
The lie worked.
Relief washed over his face, his broad shoulders sagging as if a heavy weight had been lifted Good, he murmured, wrapping an arm around her neck and pulling her to his side They start walking but his arm doesn''t remove from around her neck.
Alexias cheeks red, the heat rising to her face as she found herself tucked against him.
His hand slid ---- into her hair, his fingers ruffling it yfully.
Hey, not my hair! she protested, trying to pull away.
Stupid, he muttered, a rare, soft smile tugging at his lips.
Whoever told you you''re ugly needs their head examined.
I think you''re cute.
Her breath caught along with her heart.
Cute? No ones ever called her that.
He chuckled, nodding.
T love these soft tendrils of your hair.
Its like Tam touching cotton balls.
He ruffles her hair again and she doesn''t stop him.
She watches him intrigued through the curtain if bangs falling on her eyes.
This button nose? Damn, its adorable.
He pinches her nose and Alexis groans.
---- Damien! she huffed, swatting lightly at his chest.
Stop it! He chuckled, a rare and genuine sound that seemed to lighten the heavy air around them Alright, alright.
I''ll stop.
But seriously, Alex, dont Jet anyone make you feel less than you are.
She tilted her head, skeptical.
Even you?Last I remember you were questioning my right to breathe this free air.
Yes, Even me.
[had no right to say that.
I just...
wanted to hurt you back because your words hurt me.
But that''s it.
I swear I didn''t mean any of it.
Tam a fucking bastard for it.
I know.
I am ready to take any punishment for it.
You just have to say.
Any punishment? He drops his eyes to nod.
Yup.
Anything.
Interesting...
Umm let me think.