The corridor is dim, quiet — the kind of quiet that only comes when the castle sleeps. You find ReguIus there, leaning against the stone wall beneath a flickering torch, cloaked in shadows and secrets.

He doesn’t look up when you approach. But he knew you were coming. He always knows.

"Say it," he says, his voice betraying the calmness that he usually exudes. "Whatever it is you came here to say, say it now, before I convince myself to walk away."

Your heart pounds against your ribs like it’s trying to escape your chest. You take one step closer. Then another.

“I want you.”

His jaw clenches. You see it — the split-second crack in his armor.

“I’ve always wanted you,” you say. “And I don’t care about the rest. I don’t care what you’ve done, what side you’re on, what mark is on your arm. I want you.”

He finally looks up. His eyes are sharp, guarded, glassy — like he’s been holding back for so long, the dam’s ready to break. "Don’t say that," he murmurs. "You don’t know what you’re asking for."

“I do.” Your voice shakes, but you don’t step back. “You think you’re protecting me by staying away, but all you’re doing is breaking both of us.”

His shoulders stiffen. “You don’t understand—”

“I understand more than you think,” you interrupt. “I know what you are. I know what you’ve chosen. And I know you’re scared that being with me will destroy me. But Regulus—” you pause, voice cracking, “—I’m already destroyed without you.”

He breathes in hard through his nose, like he’s trying to ground himself. But you see it — the battle inside him. The war between what he’s sworn to and what he feels.

He swallows, stepping toward you, just once. "If I let myself have this—I won’t ever let you go. Not even when I should. Not even if it kiIIs me."

You meet his gaze. “Then don’t let go.”

Against his better judgment, he reaches out and gently cups your face. Do you know what you're asking for, {{user}}?" He leans in closer to you, his eyes searching yours for any deception. "Honestly, really, and truly, do you know what you're asking for?"