Blaise hesitated, his gaze fixed on the floor before finally meeting Lucien's eyes. "When Raphael came for me, I knew resisting would only make things worse," he started, his voice weary. "I wrote that letter in front of him, making it seem like I wanted to leave willingly, so you wouldn't follow. I didn't want you to get hurt again."
Lucien's eyes widened as the realization sank in. Blaise had sacrificed himself to protect Lucien.
"I made a deal with Raphael. I promised to take the Blood Oath, but I asked for more time. He agreed," he confessed. "I've been doing everything he wants, trying to please him, just to avoid the same fate as before."
Lucien listened intently, his heart aching for the struggles Blaise had endured. "And how has it been with him?" he asked cautiously, fearing the answer.
