Cassius Denver Valentine lost his mate...

Now he thinks he's a monster. I just think he's broken.

There's old blood on his hands and despite his efforts, it sticks to him like a second skin. I see the blood, but more so... I see him. And for some reason, he doesn't hide from me.

I want to wash the blood from his hands. I want to kiss his scraped-up knuckles. I want to tell him that he doesn't have to keep suffering.

He's already bled enough.

Problem is, when you love someone so fiercely, you also run the risk of being burned to ashes.