_Thalassa's POV_
"Matteo, please," I pleaded, reaching out to grasp his hand in mine. "I cannot live like this any longer. I must find a way to reclaim my true self, to break free from this curse that has plagued me for so long."
I understood his concern, his desire to protect me from harm. Yet, the burning need to break free from the curse that bound me gnawed at my soul, urging me to take the risk, no matter the consequences.
As I gazed into Matteo's eyes, I could see the worry etched in every line of his handsome face. His hand tightened around mine, a silent plea for me to reconsider, to abandon this perilous path I was determined to embark upon.
"Thalassa, I cannot bear to lose you," he confessed, his voice strained with emotion. "I cannot stand by and watch you risk your life lik
