Livia wasn't ready.
Not for him. Not yet.
"I hate this," he muttered, his voice raw and broken. "Every second she's gone, it feels like someone's carving me open."
Sebastian placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know. But sometimes love isn't about holding on. Sometimes it's about stepping back and letting the other person find themselves."
Aldus stared at the floor, silent. The image of Livia crying, clutching her chest as her first bond shattered, burned in his mind. She had been so strong — stronger than anyone gave her credit for. And yet, that strength was forged from pain he couldn't even begin to comprehend.
And if he forced this bond on her now… he would only be another wound she'd have to heal from.
The chamber was silent for a long time, the weight of their words sinking into him. Finally, Aldus let out a slow, ragged breath and leaned back against the bed, his shoulders slumping in resignation.
