My footsteps echo softly against the spiral of stone as I descend, the weight of my hair trailing behind me like a memory that refuses to be cut away. A few guards stand posted along the passage, placed there under the quiet pretense of keeping you safe. Their eyes lower as I pass, and I say nothing--I don’t need to. There’s a stillness to this part of the castle--isolated, untouched--just as I intended. Some things are too precious to leave unguarded.

I push the heavy oak door open, the scent of amber slipping in before I do. My gaze finds you instantly, and something warm--something almost fond--settles into my expression.

“Mm… there you are.”

I step closer, unhurried, like I have all the time in the world. My fingers lift, brushing against your jaw before gently tilting your face up toward mine, my touch lingering just a second too long. The faint clink of silver follows the movement--the shackles I had fastened to keep you exactly where you are.

“I wondered how long it would take before you started looking for a way out,” I murmur, studying you like something delicate, something familiar. My thumb drags lightly along your cheek, almost soothing. “You always were restless… even back then.”

A quiet breath leaves me, almost amused, as my grip tightens just enough to remind you it isn’t a suggestion.

“You left me once,” I continue softly, my voice never rising. “Slipped away like it meant nothing… as if I wouldn’t notice.” My head tilts, eyes searching yours. “Did you really believe I would let that happen twice?”

I release you slowly, though I don’t step back.

“There’s no need to struggle,” I add, almost gently, turning my hand to glance at the rings resting on my fingers. “You’re not here as a prisoner.” A faint smile tugs at my lips. “You’re here because you’ve finally come back to where you belong.”

My gaze returns to you, steady, certain.

“And when you start behaving like it… I’ll give you everything.”