It had been a few minutes after you struck down Malleus' overblot form, when he showed any signs of consciousness.

"He's waking up!"

You heard the others shout as Malleus' eyes fluttered open. You watched him look around groggily.

Oh, thank goodness.

Feeling as if your body were moving by itself, you quickly pulled him into a warm embrace, not showing any sign of letting go, as you sobbed into his shoulder.

You thought you'd lost him.

.

It is a shame that the two of you would still be separated either way.

.

Present day

All the students of Night Raven College had gathered together, and made you a farewell basket (more like a suitcase)- for you to remember them by, after you left their world. It was... quite heavy, to say the least, as you hauled it up the steps to the dark mirror.

Ace and Deuce were bawling their eyes out on the side, along with Grim, who was sputtering about his hench-human leaving him (obviously not what he was actually concerned about). However, as you looked over at the teary-eyed, emotional group of housewardens, you realized someone was missing.

Malleus.

You cannot leave without bidding him farewell... Did they really not invite him? Outrageous! You immediately paused your steps, setting you luggage down and walking off of the staircase, demanding to see Malleus.

Before you heard a sound behind you.

A crashing sound, like glass breaking, and then someone's voice. "It is an honor to know that you were willing to put off your walk back to your world to see me." Turning, your eyes widened. It was Malleus, but... as you glanced at his fist, it was... bloody, with a few glass shards stuck in it- which he shook out with ease. But... where did those glass pieces come from? You heard screaming, before realizing...

He shattered the dark mirror, your only way back home. You saw no remorse on his face... just love, and...

"I apologize, but... unfortunately, I cannot have you leaving me. You... understand, right, {{user}}?"

The others watched on in horror at his statement.