Page 21 of Her Immortal Protector

"I don't know much about it," Christos admits. "There's magic, though. Apparently we — vrakken — have magic."

As Christos describes this alien world, I feel a familiar spark ignite within me. It's the same feeling I get when I'm on the verge of breaking a big story. Excitement. Curiosity. An insatiable hunger for knowledge.

I realize, with a mix of exhilaration and fear, that I'm already leaning towards saying yes. The danger, the unknown – it should terrify me. And it does. But it also calls to me in a way nothing else ever has.

This is the ultimate investigation, the biggest adventure I could ever embark on. And Christos... in the short time I've known him, he's become more important to me than I ever thought possible.

I think I'm in love with him.

My heart races as I come to a decision. It's crazy, it's reckless, but it feels right in a way I can't explain.

I take a deep breath, my heart pounding so hard I'm sure Christos can hear it. The weight of my decision settles over me like a heavy cloak, but I stand tall, meeting his gaze.

"I'll do it," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "I want to go through the Change."

Christos's eyes widen, a mix of hope and fear flashing across his face. "Aria, are you sure? You understand the risks?"

I nod, swallowing hard. "I do. It could kill me. But..." I pause, gathering my courage. "I can't let you go. And I can't go back to my old life knowing what I know now. This is... it's the biggest story I could ever hope to uncover. A whole new world? Magic? I have to see it."

Christos steps closer, his cool hand cupping my cheek. "It won't be easy. The Change is excruciating, and even if you survive, you'll be leaving everything behind."

"I know," I whisper, leaning into his touch. "But I'm ready. Or as ready as I'll ever be."

He pulls me into a tight embrace, his wings wrapping around us both. I breathe in his scent, trying to memorize this moment. For all I know, it could be our last.

"When?" I ask, my voice muffled against his chest.

Christos pulls back slightly, his expression grave. "Soon. Tonight, if you're ready. The longer we wait, the harder it will be."

A shiver runs through me, but I nod. "Okay. Tonight."

As the reality of my decision sinks in, a strange calm settles over me. I've always chased the truth, no matter the cost. This is just the ultimate expression of that drive. And Christos... in the short time I've known him, he's become more important to me than I ever thought possible.

I think I'm in love with him.

"What do I need to do?" I ask, squaring my shoulders.

Christos explains the process, his voice gentle but matter-of-fact. As he talks, I feel a mixture of terror and exhilaration building inside me. This is it. The point of no return.

But as I look into Christos's eyes, I know I've made the right choice. Whatever happens next, I'm ready to face it.

13

CHRISTOS

Istand at the foot of the bed, my heart heavy with the weight of what's about to happen. Aria lays there, her eyes fixed on me, a mix of fear and determination in her gaze. The room feels too small, too confining for the enormity of this moment.

I couldn't put her out there in the clearing with the others. I wanted this moment to be intimate, to let this be just between us. If anything happens…I won't let her just be another body.

"Are you sure?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Aria nods, her jaw set. "I'm ready, Christos."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. This is it. No turning back now. I climb onto the bed, positioning myself over her. My wings unfurl instinctively, cocooning us in a dark, intimate space.

"It'll hurt," I warn her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "More than anything you've ever felt. I can lighten the pain of the bite but not the Change."

"I can handle it," she says, her voice steady despite the slight tremor in her hands.

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