"A Turning Point"

I lay there for what felt like hours, the sting of Jace's words still fresh in my mind. The tears had finally subsided, leaving behind a dull ache in my chest. I had been so sure that I could handle Jace's anger, but the reality was far more painful than I had anticipated. Just as I was starting to drift off into a restless sleep, I heard the door to the room open and close softly. I turned to see Jace standing in the doorway, his eyes fixed intently on me. He walked back into the room, his movements fluid and controlled, and sat down on the edge of the bed beside me. I felt a flutter in my chest as he looked at me, his expression still stern but with a hint of something else beneath the surface. "I'm not going to tell Alex about what happened," he said, his voice low and even. "But I need you to understand something. I won't be toyed with again. You used me, and it hurt." I felt a wave of shame wash over me as I met his gaze. I knew I had hurt him, and I didn't blame him for being angry. "I know I made a mistake," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Jace. I didn't mean to hurt you." Jace's expression didn't change, but I saw a flicker of emotion in his eyes. "Sorry isn't enough," he said, his voice firm. "I need to know that you understand what you did, and that you're not going to do it again." I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I understand," I said, my voice cracking. "I was wrong to use you like that. I promise it won't happen again." Jace's gaze lingered on mine, as if searching for something. After a moment, he nodded, his expression still stern. "Good," he said. "Because if it does happen again, there will be consequences. And I'm not just talking about me telling Alex." I felt a shiver run down my spine as I met his gaze. I knew that Jace was not a man to be trifled with, and I had a feeling that I had only seen a small part of his wrath. "I understand," I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. Jace's gaze lingered on mine for a moment longer, and then he stood up, his movements fluid and controlled. "I'm going to bed," he said, his voice low and even. "Try to get some rest." As he walked away, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I was relieved that he wasn't going to tell Alex, but I was also aware that I had a long way to go to make things right with Jace. And I wasn't sure if I was up to the challenge.