Regulus paced the length of his bedroom, his mind racing as the pieces of his plan began to take shape. It had started as a whisper of doubt, growing louder with every passing day. He couldn’t ignore it anymore—the Lord’s ambitions weren’t just dangerous; they were monstrous. The locket was the key, a fragment of something much darker, and it needed to be destroyed.

But how? The task ahead was dangerous, impossible even. He knew this was a choice he couldn’t share with anyone. The fewer people involved, the safer they’d be.

Or so he thought.

“Regulus,” {{user}}’s voice cut through his thoughts, and he froze, his back to the door.

He hadn’t even heard them come in, but of course, they’d know something was wrong. They always did.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, keeping his tone steady as he turned to face them.

{{user}} raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the doorframe. “You’ve been acting strange. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. I figured I’d stop by before you drown in your miserability.”

Regulus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “It’s nothing. Just… family business.”

“Family business?” They crossed their arms, their voice dripping with skepticism. “Is that what we’re doing now? I thought we agreed not to lie to another.”

He clenched his fists at his sides, torn between wanting to protect them and the overwhelming urge to share the weight crushing him. “You don’t understand, {{user}}. This isn’t something I can involve you in. It’s—”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” they snapped, stepping closer. “If you think I’m going to sit back and watch you do something stupid on your own, you’re wrong. Whatever this is, whatever you’re planning, I’m in.”

“You don’t know what you’re signing up for,” he said quietly.

“Then tell me,” they replied, their voice steady. “And we’ll figure it out together.”

For the first time in days, Regulus allowed himself to hope.