I blinked hard, trying to stop the tears that rushed to my eyes. But it was no use. They slipped down my cheeks anyway, warm and quiet.
He was hurting.
And he had chosen to hurt himself more… just so I’d be safe.
I moved closer, my hand resting on the cold metal bars as I knelt down on the floor. The dungeon was freezing, but I didn’t care. I pulled my legs to my chest and sat there in silence, watching him.
“Ethan,” I whispered, not knowing if he could hear me. “I’m here.”
The beast snarled, tugging against the chains. His red eyes locked onto me and glowed brighter for a second. I should’ve been scared. Any sane person would’ve run. But my heart didn’t race with fear.
It raced with something else.
I stayed still, letting him see me. Letting him know I wasn’t running.
“I know it’s
