"But don't expect applause from me."
Damien's smile returned—faint, unbothered, and oddly warm despite the weight of everything just said.
"That's for the better," he replied softly. "I don't want your applause, Adeline."
His voice held no venom. No heat. Just a strange, quiet clarity that somehow landed harder than any shout could.
"I'll overlook your past words," he continued, "and you should do the same."
He stepped back, no longer facing her like an opponent, but simply acknowledging her presence—as if she was just another piece on the board, no longer the center of it.
"From now on, I'll be changing more and more."
Adeline raised a brow, the corner of her mouth twitching in faint disbelief. "Heh… Really?"
Damien's grin deepened, eyes glinting with something firm—something that didn't waver anymore.
"Yeah," he said. "My results will show themselves."
His gaze lingered on her for a breath longer—one last glance that didn't accuse or threaten, but simply warned.
