"Because you deceived me," Rose began her confession, her heart weighed down by grievances.

"I overheard your conversation with your father in the office, where he told you that, from the beginning, you freed me with the intention of using my powers."

"You told me you'd never force me, yet all this time you were giving me your blood and using sex just to strengthen that horror inside me. Will you deny it?"

She looked them directly in the eyes, angry and determined. If they lied to her face, she'd lose all faith in them forever.

"Of course we deny it, Rose," Niall replied, crossing his arms with a furrowed brow.

Rose's heart sank at his answer. Deep down, she had hoped they would come clean and this was all a misunderstanding.

"So, you think I'm the liar here?" Rose smiled bitterly, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"No one is calling you a liar, Rose," Maell responded, his icy gaze reflecting his frustration—not only at her but also at his own poor decisions.

"You misunderstood. We wer