Page 47 of The Lycan King's Secret Child

Xander: "It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."

Marcus studied him for a moment.

Marcus: "If you've made up your mind, then you should speak with her soon."

Xander: "I will. She's coming by later today."

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Later that afternoon, Amelia arrived at the estate, her face lighting up as she saw Xander waiting for her on the front steps.

Amelia: Smiling "Hey you. I wasn't expecting to see you outside."

Xander: Forcing a smile "Thought I'd get some fresh air."

She reached up to kiss him, but he turned slightly, her lips brushing his cheek instead. A flicker of confusion crossed her face.

Amelia: "Is everything okay?"

Xander: "We need to talk."

Her smile faded.

Amelia: "That sounds ominous."

Xander: "Let's go inside."

They walked into the drawing room, the air thick with unspoken tension. Amelia sat on the sofa, watching him carefully as he paced the room.

Amelia: "Xander, you're worrying me. What's going on?"

He took a deep breath, steeling himself.

Xander: "Amelia, I've been thinking... about us."

Amelia: Heart begins to race "Okay..."

Xander: "With everything that's happened—the threats, the attacks—I believe it's best if we... spend some time apart."

She blinked, disbelief evident.

Amelia: "What? Why?"

Xander: "I can't keep putting you in danger. Being with me paints a target on your back."

Amelia: "We knew there would be risks. We agreed to face them together."

Xander: "It's more complicated than that. The rival factions are relentless. They've made it clear they'll stop at nothing to get to me, even if it means harming you."

She stood up, her voice firm.

Amelia: "And you think pushing me away will solve that? Xander, we have a bond. We can handle this."

Xander: "I won't let you become collateral damage."

Amelia: "This isn't your decision to make unilaterally."

He turned away, unable to meet her eyes.

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