[Music recommendation: Massive Attack - Teardrop]
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"You still have a human body, Ana-" Gavriel's voice rose, making her flinch, but the moment he saw the look of rejection settle across her face, his words died in his throat.
She gave him a hollow, bitter smile. "I see..." she whispered.
Her fingers slowly slipped from his arm, which she had been holding tightly until then. She lowered her face as if trying to hide the humiliation his rejection had brought.
"I am simply an unsuitable partner for you. I suppose it cannot be helped." Her voice trembled slightly before she added, "Maybe there is someone else out there for you... someone who isn't so weak."
Gavriel froze at her last words.
With her head hanging low, Aliana took a shaky step away from him, then another. Each step felt as though someone was tearing his soul apart. He could handle her defiance, her anger, and even her disappointment, knowing he could earn her forgiveness later.
But this...
