Chapter Fifteen

My question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken weight. Nico stared at me, his eyes wide with surprise. I could feel him freeze on his seat, and his heart pounding like a drum against his ribs. The silence felt like it would never end, and I braced myself for his next reply.

"I have... I have hurt people," Nico confessed, his voice barely a whisper. "I have hurt them in the past when I couldn't control my instincts."

He closed his eyes like the memories were flooding back, vivid and painful. I could only imagine his first transformation, the uncontrollable rage, the bloodlust that had driven him to lash out.

"But I'm not that person anymore," he continued, his voice gaining strength. "I've learned to control myself. I would never hurt anyone intentionally."

My eyes met his, searching for truth in their depths. I saw the pain, the remorse, the desperate desire to be seen as more than just a monster. I believed him, I didn't know why but I did.

"Is that why you reacted that way the oth