CHAPTER 45: RUNNING FROM MY TRUE SELF

EMILIA’S POV Recalling the expression in her eyes as she rushed for my throat, I shuddered. I said, "But I don't want to be like that." "I'd rather not be—" "Like me?" Despite the quietness of Cameron's voice, I could detect its rawness. Startled, I looked up at him. "No. That was not my intention. He smiled at me, a little, sadly. "If it is, that's OK. I am aware of the opinions others have of me. that I'm brutal. that I fight without showing mercy. He combed flyaway hair out of my face. "However, are you interested in the truth?" I gave a tentative nod. "I have no choice but to fight like that. Because others will die if I don't. My people. His gaze grew softer. Emilia, you didn't fight to kill. You struggled to stay alive. With a trembling breath, I released his words, which seemed like a burden I wasn't sure I could handle. I said, "I don't know who I am anymore." After letting out a sigh, Cameron did something unexpected. He drew me into his embrace. I tensed up at fir