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Chapter 264

Chapter

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The night was quiet, the forest unusually still as Matthew pulled Dain aside, his expression stern. The firelight from their camp flickered across his weathered face, casting sharp shadows that mirrored his tone.

"You care for her," Matthew said, cutting straight to the point. His voice was firm, yet tinged with something like fear.

Dain stiffened, his shoulders squaring defensively. "Of course I care for her. She's my-"

"Don't finish that sentence if you don't mean it," Matthew interrupted, his sharp gaze pinning Dain in place. "You've always been protective of her. But this... this is different. Do you even realize what it could mean for her? For both of you?" Dain's jaw clenched, his orange eyes shifting away to focus on the darkened trees beyond. He said nothing, but the tension in his body betrayed him.

Matthew took a step closer, lowering his voice. "I see the way you look at her, and I see the way she looks at you. It's not something you can hide-not from me. But whatever you feel, you need to ask yourself if it's worth the risk." "She's everything to me," Dain finally muttered, his voice rough.

"That's exactly why you need to be honest with her," Matthew pressed. "She deserves the truth, Dain. Even if it tears you apart."

Dain's hands curled into fists, his knuckles white. He nodded once, curtly, before turning and stalking away into the shadows. Matthew watched him go, his heart heavy. He could see the storm brewing between Elyra and Dain, and he could only hope it wouldn't destroy them.