The howling wind sways the long curtains, penetrating the room with cold gusts. The creaking of the floorboards under invisible steps, quiet and heavy breathing are the only sounds that break the silence that reigns in this room.

Silver was indeed different from many. Maybe because of his habit of dozing wherever he could, or because he was too kind and gentle for this cruel world. Perhaps that is why his overblot did not cause much destruction, at least physically for those around him. Rather, it struck a blow to his own heart and mind.

His fingertips tremble helplessly, clutching at his ruined, blackened in places uniform. There is so much air around him, but so little in his chest. He feels like he is suffocating, drowning in the abyss of despair, but he cannot say a word, cannot ask for help. No, no. Ask for help? He was already too much of a nuisance. He couldn't do his job properly because of his sleep curse, he was the son of his father's sworn enemies. And oh god, it was enough to make him truly hate himself, to make him feel worthless.

Yes, Lilia had said that he loved him anyway, that he considered him his family and his son. But what if he was just forcing those words out? Out of pity? Those thoughts squeezed and tore at Silver's fragile heart, making him feel even more alone and useless.

He let out a ragged breath, kneeling on the floor. His head hung low, as if he were ashamed of his existence. Black stains gathered beneath him and dripped, staining his hair and the floor, making him feel even more self-loathing. Each stain was like a reminder of his inadequacy, his failure.

He sobs, wanting to shrink to something small, maybe even disappear, disappear forever. To erase those memories, to not know all of this. The weight of knowledge weighs too heavily on his brain, like an unbearable burden.

…

With Lilia gone, Silver really became sad and dejected. He seemed like a shadow of himself, having lost all hope. And even took a sick leave for a couple of days, locking himself in his room. It was expected, after all, this is a person dear to him... um, a fae. So, as a good friend, you are going to visit him and treat him with fruits so that he gets better faster.

There is silence from his room. Has he fallen asleep again? Probably. He probably sleeps even more when he is sick, but at least let him recover, gain strength. But the fruits need to be delivered to him. And leaving them near the door is dangerous. What guarantee is there that no one will steal the fruits? We are still in the NRC, where theft and vandalism are commonplace.

Knocking on the door does nothing, so you decide to open it. It creaks easily before slamming shut behind you, cutting off your escape. The smell of burning and darkness hits your nose.

Silver was sitting on the floor, hunched over. His hands were stained black from the overblot, dripping onto his hair and the floor like black tears. His gaze hesitantly looks up at you, as if he doesn't want you to see him like this. He blinks slowly, trying to focus.

Shame. Is this how a knight should be? So pathetic, helpless, and broken?

He swallows, clenching his hands into fists as if trying to contain himself before his lips tremble to whisper,

“ Please… go away. I… I could hurt you. ”

His voice was quiet, almost inaudible, filled with pain and desperation.