The flickering fire in the small cottage cast shadows across the walls, but it was warmer than the cold dungeons I had been thrown into. Damon sat quietly on the opposite side, his sharp gaze studying me like I was some broken puzzle he had yet to solve.
"You haven't said a word," Damon finally broke the silence, his voice calm but edged with curiosity. "You've been quiet since we arrived. Don't you want answers?"
I raised my eyes to meet his, my fingers gripping the edge of the rough wool blanket wrapped around me. "Answers?" I let out a bitter laugh. "I already know the answer. I was betrayed."
He tilted his head, a glimmer of something respect, perhaps shining in his dark eyes. "Betrayed, yes. But not broken."
I swallowed hard. "You don't know me."
Damon smirked. "Maybe not. But I know people like you. People who have lost everything... yet still breathe."
For a moment, neither of us spoke. The crackling fire was the only sound filling the room.
