Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Astrid’s POV
"But before we do the ritual," I said, my voice firm, "we need to agree on some things."
Kaeleen’s expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "Anything," he said, his voice gentle. "Anything you want, Astrid. Just name it."
He stepped closer, gently taking my hand in his. "You should know by now that I’m not going to force you to do anything you don’t want to do," he said, his voice reassuring. "I respect you, Astrid. And I value your freedom. I would never do anything to hurt you."
His words were comforting, but they also stirred a sense of unease within me. I had heard similar words from Leon before, promises of love and devotion, assurances of safety and security. But those promises had been empty, those assurances had been lies. And I couldn’t shake the fear that Kaeleen’s words might be just as hollow.
"I appreciate that, Kaeleen," I said, my voice cautious. "But I need more than just words. I need guarantees."
I paused, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. "The first thing I need reassurance of," I continued, "is that no matter what happens, even if things don’t work out between us, you’ll let me go if I say I want to go. I don’t want to be trapped, Kaeleen. I don’t want to be forced to stay in a relationship that isn’t working for me."
Kaeleen’s expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "I promise," he said, his voice sincere. "I promise that if you ever want to leave, I’ll let you go. I won’t try to stop you, I won’t try to guilt you, I won’t try to manipulate you. I’ll respect your decision, Astrid. And I’ll let you walk away."