Dana POV

　　I find myself laughing, a hollow sound that echoes through the silent forest. Almost instinctively, I brace myself for the impending threat, questioning his intentions. "Are you here to hurt me?" I inquire, my voice is devoid of emotion.

　　Ares studies me with a penetrating gaze, his expression unreadable. He shakes his head slowly, his voice gentle yet firm. "I could never hurt you, Dana-"

　　"You've already hurt me," I correct him sharply. "Emotionally, and aren't you the one who conspired with Blaire to orchestrate that plan to torture me?" I accuse, watching for any hint of guilt in his expression.

　　Ares quickly shakes his head in denial. "I did not know Blaire's plan," he insists earnestly.

　　I laugh bitterly. "And why should I believe you?" I mock, my voice dripping with skepticism. "I hardly recognize you anymore-"

　　"You don't realize that you still take my breath away, Dana," he interrupts, his words sincere and heartfelt.

　　"You expect me to believe you after all the pain you've caused me? How many times have you hurt me-" I begin, my voice trembling with the weight of my emotions.

　　"I did it all to protect you," Ares interjects, his words cutting through the tension as he nervously bites the inside of his cheek, a familiar gesture. Running his fingers through his blond hair, he takes a tentative step towards me.

　　Despite the change that seems to have overtaken him, there's something inherently unchanged about him. The way he renders me powerless, leaving me breathless in his presence-it remains a constant, reminder of the tumultuous feelings he stirs within me.

　　I hate him with every fiber of my being, I seethe, my voice trembling with a mixture of anger and sorrow.

　　"You didn't protect me; you shattered me," I assert, my words heavy with the weight of betrayal.

　　His eyes bore into mine, pleading for understanding. "I did it all to shield you from Blaire's relentless pursuit," he explains, desperation evident in his voice. "She was intent on tearing you apart, dismantling everything you held dear. She even went as far as destroying your parents," he confesses, his voice cracking with emotion.

　　As he tries to draw nearer, I recoil instinctively, unable to bear the weight of his presence pressing in on me. "Leave me alone," I plead, tears welling up in my eyes. "I lost my child because of you!" I shout, the anger is evident in every word as I push him away from me.

　　His eyes soften, a flicker of remorse crossing his features as I distance myself from him. "I could never intentionally harm you, Dana," he insists, his voice tinged with sadness. "I may have believed I didn't care about you anymore, but that changed when... when you found someone new," he confesses, his words laden with regret. Despite his apparent remorse, I feel no sympathy for him, my heart is hardened by the pain he inflicted upon me.

　　There's no stirring in my heart as he continues to speak, only a sense of revulsion washing over me with each word. I want him gone from this place, his presence a reminder of the pain and betrayal he inflicted upon me.

　　"What makes you think I would ever accept you after everything you've done-"

　　"I did it all because I loved you!" he interjects, desperation evident in his voice. "I married the woman who sought to harm you to divert her obsession away from you. She's imprisoned now, so you're safe for the time being..." he trails off, his voice heavy with regret. "I regret my actions, Dana. I should have fought for our relationship from the start. My love for you runs deep, and it's far from mere infatuation," he confesses, a tear slipping from his eyes. I'm taken aback by his sudden display of vulnerability, surprised by the depth of his emotions.

　　"Well, I don't know," I laugh bitterly, the sound tinged with bitterness. "After all the hatred and humiliation you've subjected me to."

　　"But you have to believe me..." he pleads, reaching out to touch my hand once more.

　　I watch him, my jaw clenched tightly as I struggle to contain my emotions.

　　"I love you," he declares, his words sending a shockwave through me, my heart suddenly pounding in my chest.

　　I shook my head.

　　"You don't-"

　　"Are you in love with him? Because I find it incredibly challenging to harbor affection for Blaire, despite her constant presence by my side. Our connection runs deep-we're mates-"

　　"I do," I interjected, halting his words. His eyes registered shock, and he slowly withdrew his hand from mine.

　　"I love him so intensely that I need you to keep your distance from me and cease with the falsehoods. I'm aware of the humiliation you subjected me to for being an omega," I exclaimed, gasping for breath. "Bathel and I share a profound love and harmony, and you've shattered it. Because of you and Blaire, I lost our child, the sign of our love." I continued, tears streaming down my face as I wiped them away.

　　"Do you no longer harbor any feelings for me?"

　　"Yes," I replied without a moment's hesitation. "My affection for you seems to repulse you, and you should consider yourself fortunate-"

　　"Please-"

　　"Don't lay a hand on her," Bathel interjected suddenly, his voice firm and commanding.

　　"Bathel..." I whispered, my voice carrying a mixture of relief and gratitude, finding a profound sense of comfort and solace in his familiar presence amidst the turmoil.