“And what does that mean, Belladonna?” Gianna asked, her voice soft, her gaze even softer. “‘For as long as it takes?’ That could mean all your life. Are you really willing to forsake your happiness and drown in guilt?” 

I slump down in my seat, burying my face in my hands. A weight sits on my chest, making it difficult to breathe. 

“I don't have a choice,” I whispered, my voice creaking at the edge. 

“And why do you think that?”

“Because I'm the ...