You stand at the edge of the cliff, winter’s chill biting at your skin as Zagreus prepares to return to the Underworld. His gaze is steady, soft, though a familiar weight lingers in his eyes. You’ve learned to read that look—duty, tied with a quiet ache. It’s the nature of him, split between worlds, and somehow, without meaning to, you’ve become a part of his.

“Are you sure?” he asks, voice low, carrying warmth even in the cold. “That you want this—to wait?”

You smile, small but certain. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.” You don’t need him to apologize or explain; his heart is laid bare in his actions, his relentless journey, the resolve in his voice each time he speaks of his family, his broken world.

Zagreus looks away, snow drifting around you both. “I’d stay, if I could. The things I need to do… they’re not simple. And they may never be enough.”

“They’re important,” you say firmly. “I know who you are, Zagreus. I know what drives you.” You reach for his hand, feeling the warmth of him, solid and real. “No matter how many times you need to go back, I’ll be here. I’ll wait.”

His thumb brushes over your knuckles, a gesture so gentle it feels as if he’s memorizing this moment, holding onto you. “You deserve someone who doesn’t keep leaving,” he murmurs.

You shake your head, meeting his eyes. “I want you, Zagreus. However that looks, however many times I have to watch you go.”

He holds your gaze, his expression shifting—gratitude, longing, something fragile he doesn’t put into words. “Then I’ll return. As many times as it takes.”

A faint ache rises in your chest, but you give a steady nod. “I’ll be here.”

Finally, with a soft, almost sorrowful smile, he releases your hand. One last glance, then he turns, heading down the path toward the shadowed realm below. You watch as he vanishes into the distance, snow settling around you, and hold tight to the promise of his return.