tears of hurt

Chapter 39: "Tears of Hurt"

Ayra sat in her room, her eyes welling up with tears as she replayed the painful encounter with Eden. His harsh words and angry tone had cut deep, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of hurt and rejection.

She had been simply admiring a picture of Eden and his brother Adam, and yet he had screamed at her, making her feel like she had done something terribly wrong. The tears she had been holding back finally broke free, streaming down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, Eden stood outside Ayra's room, his ears straining to catch the sound of her quiet sobs. For the first time, he felt a pang of guilt for shouting at her. He had been so caught up in his own emotions, his own pain, that he hadn't stopped to consider how his words would affect her.

Eden's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. He didn't know how to deal with these newfound feelings of guilt and responsibility. He had always prided himself on being detached, on not caring about the emotions of others.

But Ayra was different. She had a way of getting under his skin, of making him feel things he didn't want to feel. Eden's hand hovered over the doorknob, hesitating for a moment before he turned it and stepped inside.

Olivia and Flynn, who had been heading to Ayra's room to comfort her, froze in the doorway, staring at the scene unfolding before them. Eden, the cold and detached demi-god, was standing in front of Ayra, his eyes filled with a deep sadness.

"Ayra, I'm sorry," Eden said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was wrong to shout at you. It's just... seeing that picture... it brings back memories I'd rather forget."

Ayra's tears slowed, and she looked up at Eden, surprised by his apology. "What memories?" she asked, her voice soft.

Eden's eyes dropped, and he took a deep breath before speaking. "Memories of my brother, Adam. I... I killed him. It was a long time ago, but the pain still feels like it's fresh."

Olivia's eyes widened in shock, and Flynn's jaw dropped. They had never seen Eden so vulnerable, so open.

"It was because of Priestess Diana's curse," Eden continued, his voice cracking. "She cursed me, saying that my inner demon would eat me up slowly until I found my soulmate. And then... she compelled me to kill Adam with my own hands."

The room fell silent, the only sound Eden's ragged breathing. And then, for the first time in a very long time, Eden broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.

Ayra's heart went out to him, and she reached out, taking his hand in hers. "Eden, I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice filled with compassion.

As Eden cried, Olivia and Flynn exchanged a stunned glance. They had never seen Eden like this before, so broken and vulnerable. And Ayra, the young woman who had captured Eden's attention, was the one comforting him, holding his hand as he poured out his heart.