Chapter 76. In the Shadow of Truth

Ethan POV

I notice the intensity in Anastasia's gaze towards the crystal, a profound expectation lingering after tonight's events. I can't allow Anastasia to perceive the importance the Blood Moon Crystal holds, nor how much of a sacrifice it was to relinquish it to have her back. Every movement she makes is a constant reminder of what I risked, and the sight of the crystal hanging around Rowan's neck still haunts my thoughts.

"She just thanked you for what you did, and you, as always, messed it up, Ethan!" Fang comments irritably in my mind, and I try to ignore him, but his words echo with a weight that's hard to bear.

"Anastasia wanted to leave; I let her go. She was clear the last time we spoke, why allow more pain to be done to me?" I retort to Fang, bitterness, and frustration evident in my voice.

The hospital room in my castle seems filled with my emotions around Anastasia. The elegant decor and luxurious fur