A sliver of hope flickered within me. Damian was kind, brave, and possessed an unshakeable belief in good. Perhaps, just perhaps, his words could reach the buried humanity within Aaron.
But the prospect of him facing his father alone, venturing into the very heart of darkness, sent a tremor of fear through me. "What if he hurts you?" I whispered, my voice barely above a squeak.
A gentle smile graced his lips. "He won't," he said, his voice filled with a quiet confidence. "Love, Annie, is a powerful weapon. It can disarm even the most hardened hearts."
He leaned down, his lips brushing softly against mine. The kiss was filled with a promise, a pledge of his love, and his unwavering belief in our future. Then, with a final, lingering glance, he turned and began his descent down the mountain path.
