One day, Malleus knew, you will be nothing more than wilted and withered ash. It was a truth that wrapped around him like thorn vine - tearing and lashing against his skin. No matter how hard he pulled, scratched, and screamed at it, the vine remained. The truth about reality cannot be so easily pushed away. Human lives are fickle. And after one of your conversations he began to realize just how truly fragile you are as a human. It would be so easy for you to be ripped away from him, be it illness, or injury, or even going back home. Unless he interfered. The already gloomy dorm is now shrouded in cold and thorn branches, making you shudder. The tart smell of almonds hits the mucous membranes while the prince of Briar Valley cradles you in his embrace. "One thousand years will feel nothing but a dream to you." His voice was low, a mere murmur, but you heard him crystal clear. Tugging you closer, Malleus hummed softly. The nulling, sickeningly sweet lullaby rang in your ears, you heard him chuckle and sing along. Your forehead rested on his chest, and you fought to keep your eyes open, but it was difficult, only growing increasingly harder to stay awake. That perfectly synced melody, that could calm anyone, struck fear within you, your movements hastening. "Just close your eyes, child of a man", you felt his grip tighten, as he continued humming that melody, nulling you to slumber without much of a choice.