"No." The figure's response was calm, without defensiveness. "Like I said before, I'm only here to give you a choice. Nothing more, nothing less."
Damian's hands clenched weakly.
"Why do you care?"
His voice was barely audible.
"A being like you… why do you even care about giving someone like me a choice? What does it matter to you whether I choose to stay or leave?"
The figure was quiet for a moment, as if considering how to answer.
"You might think of it as me being cruel to you. And maybe I am, in a way."
The doubled voice carried complex emotions.
"But I'm the one who knows what awaits you after this, not you."
Snow settled on both their shoulders.
"As for my reason..."
The figure paused.
"Let's just say that a very long time ago, I was in a similar situation to yours."
The swirling darkness seemed to slow, becoming less agitated.
"No one really gave me a choice. Everything was decided for me, set in motion before I even understood what was truly happening."
