Elena’s POV

From the moment I saw Damien again after my rebirth, I had understood one truth with cruel clarity.

At my current level, I was never qualified to stand against him head-on.

That was why I had chosen the long way around.

I avoided direct confrontation, avoided exposing my sharpest edges. I started from the periphery—from the people around him, from every tiny crack I could pry open with patience, endurance, and restraint. I told myself that as long as I moved slowly enough, ...