[color=Ivory]"I don't think there is a definitive way to answer that, Clara."[/color] Jaden wanted to reach out and try to comfort her, her current position so reminiscent of how she was right after he had found her. But now, he was the one who had hurt her, had driven her this far into herself. Not through the actions of his demons, no, by the words he had spoken just now. He had made a decision, a decision to tell her everything, hoping that it would help, but he had just driven the nail in deeper. It was a foolish mistake, but it was too late to take it back. Now, he had to do his best to be as honest with her as possible, to rebuild the trust that, after being cultivated for centuries, now seemed on the verge of crumbling apart. [color=Ivory]"All I can say is that for the longest time, I've had your best interests at heart, that I regret what happened this night, and that I will never let it happen again. It was a moment of weakness and you suffered because of it, and for that, I will never be able to forgive myself."[/color]

[color=Ivory]"All I can really say for myself is that I mean what I say with all my heart. Ultimately, the decision is yours whether I'm worthy of your trust or not. Look into your heart and decide what you think is best for you. No matter your choice, I will support you to the best of my ability for as long as you need it, as I always have and always will."[/color] Jaden's weary gaze looked upon Clara's small form a moment longer, wondering if this would be the last time he looked upon her, before closing his eyes with a soft sigh. The emotions of this conversations, along with his worries and anxieties for the future, were starting to take their toll on him. He felt drained of his strength, of his will. [color=Ivory][i]So much has happened in such a short amount of time, it's almost overwhelming when I stop to think about it. All of those lives, taken, and I'm to blame. And yet, the thought of her leaving frightens me oh so much more. If I'm left alone again, to the bask in the glow of my demons with no one around to ease the sting. . . I will lose myself to him. I will cease to be, and that bastard will have won.[/i][/color] The thought turned his mouth into a grim line as his teeth grounded against each other, his form tightening for but a moment, only to once again lose all of the tension built within it.

[color=Ivory][i]But that's why he chose me as a vessel, isn't it. He could tell just by looking at me that behind all of the bravado and titles of my position, I was a weak fool, easily deceived and easily broken.[/i][/color]