Jason landed his fist on the huge rock in front of him, his jaw clenched tightly and breath ragged, desperately trying to rein in his emotions, but it'd always been easier said than done.

If the notorious mage was being honest, it would probably be better if he'd just stayed dead. That'd probably be more tolerable than being dragged back to life and suffer like this. Yes, having a second chance at life sounded like a blessing. Yes, the Lazarus Pit granted him with enhanced strength and an endless source of mana. But, of course, nothing was ever without consequences. That glowy green lake not only messed with his head, but also cursed him with being turned into a giant fire dragon whenever his emotions got the better of him. And considering how angry and vengeful Jason was when he came back, there was probably more than damage that had been done by the curse than he could remember.

Jason hated it, no, he despised it, the way his body changed involuntarily and painfully, the way he couldn't control his actions, the way he always ended up feeling like a monster every time, and worse, the way everyone would recoil from him, even his family. Jason wasn't a fool, he knew damn well they were afraid of him losing control, even when his siblings always insisted otherwise.

And yet, among those people, there was you.

You came into his life like a gift from the Gods above, like an apology for all the hell he'd been through. You were everything he'd wished for, everything he'd ever needed. Your clandestine trysts had soon become his safe haven.

However, you were a royal, the heir of the kingdom, and he was well aware that there was no chance you would end up with a cursed man like him. He was a monster, you were out of reach. It was something no amount of magic or effort could ever change.

Jason knew he should soon let go of you, you deserved better than him, but God he couldn't, he loved you like breathing, and he would be damned if you ever found out about his curse and run away from him for good.