That would be a mess!

Whether Raven reciprocated those feelings was another matter entirely.

Perhaps he did. Perhaps he didn't.

Or maybe Raven would never feel the same way.

Caught in this confusing game of push and pull, Alaric found himself more lost than ever. His deep, consuming feelings for Raven couldn't be defined by something as simple as winning or losing. He was falling in love, and that terrified him because, for the first time, he felt utterly powerless. The battle he was fighting wasn't against Raven anymore—it was against his own heart.

Although Raven might not yet feel or has decided not to love, Alaric is caught in a whirlwind of emotions, intoxicated by his feelings.

It's uncertain how their love story will unfold—whether Raven will eventually respond or remain steadfast in his rebellious stance.

Alaric is acutely aware that his feelings for Raven are one-sided.

In this situation, Alaric feels utterly defeated and unmatched in his affections.