Xeon quieted down, his eyes briefly indicating the stark, hurting loneliness that echoed deep within Mathena before they were abruptly shuttered.
She loved him. He could see that. And she was foolish. What if he hurts her in the future? What if he went feral and accidentally killed her? He would hate himself forever.
"Mathena, dear, I vowed that I would protect you. But what if I c-could not help m-myself and I-'' he shook his head. His jaw trembled as if he attempted to contain his sentiments. "Even from myself, I will protect you. You know that."
Mathena's eyes waned, and she breathed deeply. This man was overdoing it. "And I swore a vow that I would never be at the mercy of another man."
Wiggling as if her words had blown a nerve, Xeon suddenly rose to his feet, glaring down at her
