"I… I didn't think that far ahead," Damien admitted, the weight of Cedran's words sinking in. He had only wanted to help someone he found pitiable. Nothing beyond that.
"You didn't realize?" Elyon said, smirking. "That crying? It was all an act."
"What?!" Damien stared at him in disbelief.
"And giving him those coins? That tore his pride to shreds. Honestly, you got off easy with just a bit of spit on your face," Elyon added.
Damien froze, realization dawning on him.
By handing over those coins, he had effectively said, I'm the one in a position to give, and you're the one who must receive. In doing so, he had humiliated the boy, even if it wasn't his intent.
He sighed deeply, feeling the shame settle in.
He'd acted without thinking. The money wasn't even his to give—it belonged to Theo.
"I'm such an idiot…" Damien thought, sinking to the ground.
