Xander's sigh was deep and heavy, his gaze shadowed by the weight of Aurora's stare. "Sweetheart, we're different," he began, his tone low, almost regretful. "I'm trying to protect you. Believe me, loving you is what keeps me human, what stops me from losing myself. You're the reason I stay sane, and I don't want to risk you getting hurt in the end."
Aurora shook her head, frustration flashing in her eyes as she stepped back, creating a small but deliberate distance between them.
"Xander," she said firmly, her voice tinged with both anger and conviction, "you say that I keep you human, that I stop you from losing yourself. Then shouldn't you understand? You're the one who will help me hold onto my morals when I go down the wrong path. Because I won't sit still anymore."