Calix’s world shattered around him, each word Celia uttered cutting deeper than any blade could. He searched her eyes for some hint of deception, some sign that she was lying, that she was under duress, but all he found was cold, detached resolve. The woman he had fought for, bled for, and loved with all his heart had betrayed him in the worst way possible.
"No! Celia would never..." Calix’s voice trembled, desperation edging every word. He shifted back into his human form, ignoring the pain searing through his body. His eyes, usually so fierce, were now pleading, searching Celia’s face for the truth he didn’t want to hear. "Celia, answer me! Tell me that it's all a lie..."
Celia’s gaze finally met his, and in that moment, he saw something he hadn’t expected—regret, sorrow, and something
