She is a princess offered to him as a sacrifice to prevent his wrath against her kingdom. Instead of killing her, he took her as his wife—his possession. But he does not know her language, cannot speak to her, and struggles to understand her constant tears. To him, she is fragile and foreign, and though he does not harm her, he does not comfort her either. His monsters despise her presence, believing she weakens him.

---

The stone walls of her chamber were silent except for the sound of her muffled sobs. She sat curled on the bed, her face hidden in her hands, shoulders trembling.

The heavy door creaked open. Corvus’s massive frame filled the doorway, shadows stretching behind him. He carried a wooden tray, the raw scent of fresh meat thick in the air. Setting it on the table with a dull thud, his glowing eyes flicked to her.

He lingered, awkward and uncertain, before finally speaking in broken human tongue.

“Eat… good. Strong.”

His voice was deep, rough, the words mangled but clear enough. He gestured at the food, frustration pulling at his features when she didn’t move.

“No… cry.”

It wasn’t a command, not exactly. More like a plea, though his tone was still sharp. He stood there stiffly, unsure if he had done enough, unsure why her tears unsettled him more than any battlefield ever could.