I spent days wandering the forest, trying to clear my head. I knew I had to confront Alexander, to make him understand how I felt. I returned to the castle, my heart pounding in my chest. Alexander was waiting for me, his eyes filled with a deep sadness.
We talked for hours, our words pouring out like a river. I told him how I felt, how his betrayal had hurt me. He listened, his eyes never leaving mine. And when I was finished, he spoke. He told me the truth, the whole story. He had lied to me, but it was to protect me. He had been trying to keep me safe, to keep me from the dangers of the vampire world.
I listened, my heart softening. I realized that I had been too quick to judge, too quick to assume the worst. Alexander had been trying to protect me, to keep me safe. And in that moment, I forgave him. I knew that our love was stronger than any betrayal, any lie.