Kapitel 17: Betrayal

Damien's POV:

The choices I was given were tormenting. Both paths felt like I was walking straight into hell. Mark her without her consent? I'd face the devastating reality of her hatred for the rest of my life. Reject her? I'd lose the only person I'd ever waited for, the only light in my otherwise dark existence.

The first option was selfish—entirely for me. If I marked her, there was a chance, no matter how slim, that I could win her over. Maybe after days of groveling, months of apologizing, years of proving myself, she might come to forgive me. But could I really live with the knowledge that I had betrayed her in the most intimate way, even if it was to save her from the pain? Could I ever look her in the eyes when the suffering ended, only to see the hurt and betrayal staring back at me?