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Once I was done, her blood dripping frout clenched when I noticed how pale she looked She lookedlove for her and undeniable hatred for myself all at the same time

"I don’t deserve you, Sofia…"

She shook her head adamantly "You do, Derek, but even if you don’t, it doesn’t matter, because I’m yours" She spun around and faced me and it felt as if I was coht through uilty, Derek Not now Everything you are – even in all of your weaknesses – ht now possible"

I frowned, but then with a flicker of insight, I got it "You’re strong where I am weak"

She nodded "We’re both far froether, so right now, I need you to be strong for o through this life without you"

Her words were still swirling in roup of people were already waiting there e arrived – just as had been discussed The atmosphere was solemn, everyone was silent Even Aiden couldn’t look ave me one quick nod Sofia then took her place beside Aiden, holding his hand

It felt like I was about to walk right into my death

Vivienne approached and opened her , but it seeed me It was then that she whispered into my ear, "True sanctuary You have her blood in you?"

I nodded "Yes"

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

I didn’t answer i the shores of a white sandy beach with Sofia flashed throughhit me I needed to turn back into a huet rid of the darkness within , yes I want to do this I want to become human" I want to become the husband Sofia deserves

Vivienne nodded I knew that she understood Of all the people there, it was ainst being a vampire, how much I wanted to be freed from the curse our own father subjected us to

We pulled away from each other I looked into Vivienne’s blue violet eyes, hoping that she would have a prophecy, a vision… anything to letInstead, she squeezedaside to make way for Sofia to throw her arms around me and kiss me

"Don’t you dare make aout of me, Novak," she whispered into my ear

A lu her at that ti, but also knew that wasn’t an option It was too late to back do I pulled away froht here the whole tiet out"

I made my way into the Pit and the doors sla before the first rays of the an to show And thepain I had ever encountered

Chapter 45: Sofia

Only Aiden, Vivienne and I reht would arrive It felt liketorn fron that his tor to take?" I asked Vivienne

"We won’t be able to check on him until the sun sets," she replied

Another screao in," I announced, as Ithe door locked and secure

"No!" several voices said with alarm

Aiden and Vivienne were byin there" Aiden shook his head He then gave Vivienne a look "Maybe we should get her out of here"

I could barelydrowned out by Derek’s screahwrong? "No I pro yourself" His voice was firently took a step forward "We don’t knohat heon in there It’s enough that Derek’s life is at risk We’re not going to risk your life too"

We were thinking of putting in surveillance ca on Derek voted against it for reasons I couldn’t understand The only explanation he gave was a si through"

Eli had insisted on it, and Derek agreed under the condition that it would not be seen by anyone as it happened It would only be used for study purposes after we found out the results

The unknoas killingand I didn’t even have any idea why Do you really want to see your husband in sheer torrabbed a hold ofto somehow fast forward time and take Derek out of his misery

"You don’t have to be here for this, Sofia…" Aiden pushed "He’ll understand"

I entertained the idea, but quickly shook ainst the door Get a grip, Sofia Be strong for hi that he would soht then, Yuri and Claudia showed up Frori was very wrong

No matter how difficult it was, I priedon?"