Talieran's jaw tightened, the fury in his eyes gradually replaced by regret.
He stayed silent for a few seconds, then spoke hoarsely. "I know... I have a terrible temper. I'm controlling, unreasonable."
Elena just watched him quietly, not interrupting.
"I hate being ordered around, hate being restrained..." He clenched his fists, knuckles white, as if fighting his own nature. "Before, if anyone dared touch my things, I would have already—"
"Already what?" Elena asked softly.
Talieran jerked his head up, looking straight into her eyes.
"...Already fought them." He admitted hoarsely. "But... it's you."
"Because it's Elena, I'm willing to change." He said word by word. "I'm willing to try understanding what you mean by 'freedom.'"
"How will you understand?" Elena pre
