#Chapter 268 Decisions

Charles Grace set her jaw. I reached out, cupping her face and lifting it until I could look into her eyes. "I have always planned to break the bond, ever since I started to pursue you." My hand fell to the courting band on her arm. "I had never had a chance to give Tessa a courting band." Her eyes bulged. "I've been working to lessen the impact, but... I think Astarte was right to think that it was just me running from it." I sank down beside her and started from the beginning. "The truth is... that it is a burden, one that she's always taken full advantage of." My voice hitched slightly. "She's... well aware that the bond ties us together. It's been a shield and leverage for her. Admittedly, maybe a part of me has wondered and worried if the goddess had given me Tessa as punishment and trying to escape it would only make things worse." "Punishment?" "For not... For not saving them." I closed my eyes. "For Devin's parents. My family..." "You can't take that on, Charles." I c