The announcement went smoothly. Adrian walked away victorious, the crowd singing his praises. But later that night, he found Amaya waiting in his office, her face pale.
"You knew I could have destroyed you tonight," she whispered.
His gaze darkened. "Then why didn't you?"
Her hands trembled. "Because I… I couldn't."
Adrian crossed the room slowly, his eyes locked on hers. "You don't understand what that means to me."
She shook her head, tears threatening. "Don't thank me. Don't twist this. I didn't save you for you. I saved you because…" Her voice cracked. "Because I don't want to become like you."
For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he cupped her face gently, his voice raw.
"Even when you hate me, you're the only thing that keeps me human."
Her chest ached. She wanted to pull away, but instead, she let herself sink into his touch.