Elena POV
Feeling Ryder’s hot breath beside my ear and recalling his harsh words and relentless attitudes, I was finally driven to the edge. The emotional turmoil I had been suppressing surged forward like a tidal wave. My mind flooded with memories of my suffering and fear—being hung and falling from the tower house, the constant bullying, and Ryder’s cruel remarks about punishing me and calling my witch blood dirty. I felt wronged, grieved, and utterly undeserving of such treatment.
I couldn’t bear it anymore. Tears welled up in my eyes and then spilled over, streaming down my face. Ryder’s grasp on my arm loosened slightly, his once threatening and tense expression gradually softening into one of unexpected gentleness as he watched my tears.
Suddenly, without warning, he leaned in an
