Chapter 177: Take all the time you need

I shook my head. "I want to know everything. I need to understand if we're going to move forward together."

Carmen's eyes held a depth of sadness and determination. I knew she had lived through centuries, had experienced things I couldn't even begin to imagine. But now, all that mattered was that she was willing to share her world with me, to lay bare the truths she had kept hidden. I had to be brave enough to face them, no matter how terrifying they might be.

"Okay," Carmen said softly, squeezing my hand. "I'll show you. But please, remember that what you see might be overwhelming."

I nodded, trying to steady my racing heart. I could feel the weight of her words, the gravity of what I was about to learn. Yet, despite the fear gnawing at my insides, a sense of curiosity and determination pushed me forward. This was our life now, and I needed to understand it if I wanted to be with Carmen.