Finally, Aldous spoke, his voice carefully controlled. "The Church will not approve any romantic relationship between you and the Saintess. We will oppose it through every means available."
"Then oppose it." Damien headed for the door. "But understand – you're not fighting me. You're fighting her choice. And she's braver than you've ever allowed her to be."
"If you truly cared about her wellbeing, you'd walk away. Your association will destroy her reputation, compromise her position, make her life infinitely more difficult."
Damien paused at the door. The argument was actually compelling – his relationship with Elara would create problems for her.
But walking away served Aldous's interests, not Elara's desires.
"Her reputation isn't yours to protect by destroying her autonomy," Damien said quietly. "If association with me causes problems, we'll handle them together. That's what actual care looks like – not convenient abandonment."
He left before Aldous could respond.
