The Forbidden Forest was eerily silent now, broken only by Victor’s quickened breath as he knelt beside you. The Ash Winders lay unconscious, their crackling embers fading into the moss beneath them.
Victor’s fingers trembled as they brushed your dirt-streaked cheek.
“Sweetheart… please—Selina, look at me.”
Your eyes fluttered once, then rolled back. You slumped fully into his arms. Blood was soaking through your robes—scorch marks, poison burns. Your wand had fallen somewhere in the chaos.
Victor didn’t think. He lifted you effortlessly, pressing your fragile body close to his chest as he disapparated with a sharp CRACK.
⸻
St Mungo’s Hospital, 8th Floor – Magical Burns Ward
When you opened your eyes, the light stung. The walls were sterile white stone, the smell of medicinal herbs strong in the air. A curtain rustled nearby. Your voice came out hoarse, weak.
“…Victor?”
A warm hand gently took yours.
“I’m here, Selina.”
Victor Rookwood sat at your bedside, his normally composed face lined with fear and tenderness. His black coat was singed at the edges, his wand still tucked into the sleeve, ready to strike again if needed.
Behind him stood a stern-looking woman in emerald green robes, her hair pulled tightly back—a perfect match for Victor’s stormy eyes.
“This is my sister, Genevieve Rookwood,” he said softly. “Head Nurse of St. Mungo’s. You’re safe now.”
Genevieve gave you a quick but thorough check with her wand. “No permanent damage, though you’ll need rest. The Ash Winder venom nearly stopped your heart.”
Victor’s hand gripped yours tighter. “Why, Selina? Why were you alone in the forest?”
You didn’t speak.
Victor’s jaw tensed. “Don’t lie to me this time. I know you’re protecting him—Sebastian Sallow.”
The name cracked through the room like a whip.
You looked away, ashamed. “He’s trying to help Anne. He thinks the relic might cure her… I just… I thought if I helped him find it, maybe she’d get better. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt.”
“You got hurt,” Victor growled, low and bitter. “You nearly died, Selina. And for what? A cursed relic buried in that gods-forsaken forest?”
You flinched at his tone. He immediately softened, leaning closer, his hand cradling the side of your face with aching care.
“I can’t lose you. You understand? You’ve become… more important to me than I ever expected.” His voice dropped. “You’re still so young, and I know what people think of me. But Merlin help me, Selina, I love you.”
You met his eyes, trembling, unsure what you felt—guilt, pain, longing. You loved Sebastian as a friend, maybe more once—but his obsession was changing him. You were slipping away from him, and maybe you already had.
Victor’s love felt heavy, but safe. Like home after a storm.
Just then, Genevieve cleared her throat. “She needs rest, Victor.”
He nodded, but before leaving, he bent down and pressed a kiss to your temple.
“I’ll stay right outside,” he whispered. “And Selina… no more secrets.”
⸻
The window slid open with a whisper of magic. A figure climbed in—hooded, silent. You stirred as your magic instinctively pulsed.
“Sebastian?” you murmured.
He stepped closer, his eyes wild with desperation. “I heard what happened. Ash Winders—Merlin, Selina, I’m so sorry—”
“You said it was safe,” you whispered. “You promised me, Sebastian.”
“I didn’t know they were nesting there,” he said quickly. “But the relic, it’s real. I just need more time.”
“No,” you said, stronger now. “It’s killing you. You’re not saving Anne anymore—you’re chasing ghosts.”
Sebastian’s hands clenched at his sides. “Victor doesn’t understand. He’s using you. You think he loves you, but he only wants your power.”
You stared at him, a beat too long.
“Is that what you think too?” you asked quietly.
Sebastian said nothing. Then, before either of you could say more, the door opened—and Victor stood there, wand in hand, expression cold and unreadable.
“Step away from her,” Victor said.
Sebastian glared. “You’re not her father.”
“No,” Victor said, voice like steel, “but I’m the man who will protect her.