Ryan's fingers tightened around the envelope as he stood frozen in Damien's office. The air between them was thick—years of history, betrayal, and unspoken things hanging like a weight.
"Damien," Ryan's voice cracked slightly. "Please… I need your help. You can't let him come for me."
Damien's eyes were hard and unreadable. "I understand perfectly," he said. "And there's nothing I can do."
"But you're not like this," Ryan pressed. "I know you. I know you're not… heartless. And I know you don't want to do this. Please. Just—just talk to him. Make it stop."
Something flickered in Damien's gaze. Something that resembled mercy, grace, and pity.
But it was gone just as quickly.
Damien leaned back in his chair, nodding toward the invitation. "You forget I'm not done with you yet."
"I know, but not him please." Ryan said, his voice cracking. "I'll take whatever you throw at me, but not him."
