Chapter 60

James's dark, deep eyes were filled with an inexplicable intensity. In the past, his world had been shrouded in darkness and indifference. He had kept everyone at arm's length, his reality starkly separate from the rest of the world. But somehow, Eleanor had broken through his defenses. For the first time, there was a focal point in his previously empty gaze. He had seen many facets of life through Eleanor, each encounter bringing a new perspective. He found himself wanting to understand her thoughts, to grasp why she didn't share the same disdain others had for him, why she didn't see him as a little monster. Eleanor's warm smile greeted his gaze. "James, your voice is very pleasant," she said, evading his unspoken question and offering a compliment instead. James blinked, momentarily taken aback. Eleanor continued, "James, you are actually very talented. Why don't you show more of your skills? I hope you can open your heart to this world. That's why I helped you." Unspoken were her o