Raphael took a bracing breath. “I do not expect the fear to disappear, but that is why I am responsible for what has happened. One can conquer fear to do what is right, something which I failed to do. Seeing you there, dying, because of me…my fear of that happening again is far greater than allowing the bond to grow. What you have said in the past is right—you did not choose this. I agreed as much as you to marry, I lay with you and bit you to create the bond. What’s done is done. This is the only option I have left.” Raphael’s eyes were beseeching, pleading with Milan to believe him.
