At this, Leonide stopped walking and turned to look intently at Damien. "If there was a risk, would you stop me?"
If helping Theo meant risking Leonide's safety, Damien wasn't sure what he would do. Would he really be able to choose between them? Could he even make such a decision?
"No," Damien said softly. "I'll do whatever it takes. Please, if there's any way you can help Theo, I'm begging you to go through with it." Bowing his head, he felt a pang of guilt, realizing how harsh his words must have sounded.
"Thought so," Leonide said with a small, knowing smile.
"But don't worry," he continued reassuringly. "What I'm going to do isn't dangerous at all. There's no risk involved, I promise."
"…Really?" Damien asked, still uncertain.
"Really, really," Leonide said, his smile genuine and warm. Damien found himself breathing a sigh of relief despite himself.
