Ares clamped his lips shut, unsure of what to say. He slowly shook his head, unable to bear the pain and betrayal in her eyes. All he wanted was to wipe away her tears and see her smile again, but it seemed he had extinguished that smile.
Even if his mother hadn't told her... he wasn't sure how much she knew... but he couldn't blame his mother. This was inevitable.
Eleanor rose to her feet, taking a step back from him with a sniffle. "I trusted you with my life, Ares. My life! You made me feel like I wasn't alone, that you'd always protect me."
Her voice cracked with emotion. "I don't deserve this... I don't deserve any of this! I don't deserve the loss I've endured, I don't deserve to be a sacrifice to cure your curse, I don't deserve to be bound to you!"
Ares lowered his head, his lips parting slowly. "I..."
"Don't dare lie to me!" Eleanor screamed, her eyes blazing with a fierce, fiery glow.
