I placed the cuffs back on the child's ankles, my hands reluctant, yet firm. His face twisted into an unhappy frown, but neither of us had a choice—not yet.
"You can stay in your human form after I've given you my essence and blood, child," I explained, my voice steady. "But this isn't something I can decide for you. You need to choose for yourself. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
His golden eyes flickered with hesitation before he gave a small nod, his body tense but listening.
"So," I asked, crouching slightly to meet his gaze, "do you want to go through with it now?"
He shook his head slowly, the motion deliberate and burdened with the weight of his fear.
I nodded, standing upright. "All right. When you're ready, let me know. I won't rush you."
He turned and left the room, his footsteps soft against the cold stone floor. I watched him go, a heavy sigh escaping me as the door clicked shut.
