YELENA

Then he spoke.

“It’s because I was ashamed of myself.” His voice was low. It wasn't loud or angry. It was just… tired.

“Ashamed of everything I’ve done.” He paused, like the words were heavy in his mouth. “I knew I would be caught one day. I knew that day would be the end of me… so I accepted it.”

The room felt colder.

He let out a breath, slowly and roughly, then added, “There’s no cure for this curse. Trust me… I’ve looked. I searched everywhere for ...