The days following the strange sensations from the fox bead were tense for Anita and Jace. Despite his initial promise to help her understand the bead's power, Jace couldn't deny that the situation was far more complicated than either of them had anticipated. The bond between them was growing stronger, and with it, the realization that their lives were now inextricably linked.Jace had been considering his options carefully. The logical choice would have been to distance himself from Anita to protect her from whatever dangers might come, but the bond created by the fox bead made that impossible. He couldn't leave her, not just because he was weakened without the bead, but because something deep within him felt compelled to stay. He had spent centuries imprisoned, but in Anita's presence, he felt something he hadn't felt in a long time—purpose.One evening, as they sat together in Anita's living room, Jace finally made his decision."Anita," he began, his voice steady but tinged with resolve, "I've been thinking about our situation. About the fox bead and the bond between us."Anita looked up from the book she had been trying to read, her thoughts still muddled by the events of the past few days. She had sensed that something was weighing on Jace, and now, it seemed he was ready to share it."I can't leave," Jace continued, meeting her gaze with earnestness. "Not just because of the bead, but because I need to be here to protect you. Whatever is happening, whatever is causing the bead to react, it's tied to both of us now. And I can't in good conscience abandon you to face it alone."Anita felt a mix of relief and anxiety at his words. While she had grown accustomed to having Jace around, the thought of him staying permanently was both comforting and daunting. It was one thing to help him adapt to modern life, but another to fully accept the responsibility of being linked to a mystical being."But what about your own safety?" Anita asked, her voice soft with concern. "You're weaker without the bead. Won't staying here put you at risk?"Jace nodded slightly, acknowledging the truth of her words. "Yes, it does. But I've survived worse. And if it means keeping you safe, then it's a risk I'm willing to take."Anita couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude and warmth toward Jace. His willingness to stay and protect her, despite the risks to himself, meant more than she could express."Thank you, Jace," she said sincerely. "I don't know what I'd do without you."Jace smiled faintly, a rare softness in his usually guarded expression. "You don't have to thank me. We're in this together, remember?"With that, the decision was made. Jace would stay, and they would face whatever challenges came their way side by side.