chapter seventy four

A gasp escaped my lips as the cloaked figure revealed itself. It was Damian, his usually bright eyes dull with grief and shame. He looked older, thinner, haunted by the weight of his actions. Before I could react, Anya placed a restraining hand on my shoulder.

"He comes seeking forgiveness," Anya stated, her voice devoid of warmth. "But forgiveness is a choice, not an obligation."

A torrent of emotions threatened to drown me. Here stood the boy I once loved, the one who had betrayed me and my people. Yet, the despair etched on his face sparked a flicker of something unexpected – pity.

Damian took a hesitant step forward, his voice cracking. "Annie, I..." He faltered, unable to find the words.

Silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the rustle of leaves in the cool autumn breeze. My gaze darted between Damian and Anya, the weight of their contrasting pleas settling on my shoulders.