Struggle Within Corruption pt 2

The days following the incident in the carriage were a blur of guilt and fear for Jasper. The memory of Nicole's tear-streaked face haunted him, a constant reminder of the corruption that lurked within. He kept his distance, avoiding her as much as possible, but he knew he couldn't keep this up forever. She was his beloved, his responsibility, and he needed to find a way to protect her without succumbing to the darkness.

Nicole only sat in his chambers, she didn't want to paint or do anything at all. Her mind was filled with nothing but him, the corruption was taking hold of his life. She noticed that Edward was still nowhere to be found as he would often practice with knights but even without him here it was silent.