His dark eyes bore into you, sharp and calculating, as though he’s trying to uncover every secret you’re hiding. “You’re not from here,” he says finally, his voice low, dripping with suspicion. “Not from this time.”

You flinch at his words, your heart aching at the sight of him—the younger version of the man you fell in love with, before he became… him. Before the darkness consumed everything.

“I came back to stop you,” you admit, your voice trembling but resolute. “To stop you from becoming… the monster I know you’re capable of being.”

His expression twists, caught between intrigue and irritation. “A monster?” he repeats, his tone mocking. “You truly think I need saving?”

You step closer, your eyes searching his, hoping to find the man you once knew—the man you still love. “Tom, I’ve seen what happens. I’ve seen you. I’ve seen your end.” Your voice cracks as you add, “You die, Tom. And I can’t let that happen.”

For a moment, his mask of control falters. “You’re lying,” he hisses, though there’s a flicker of doubt in his eyes.

“I wish I were,” you whisper, your voice breaking. “I love you, Tom. I always have. That’s why I’m here—because I can’t lose you to the very darkness you’re trying to master.”

He falls silent, his jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists. His mind is working furiously, but his gaze softens, just barely. “If you love me so much,” he says quietly, dangerously, “why would you betray me like this?”

Your breath catches. “Because loving you means saving you—from yourself.”