A cursed thing.

Since birth, "Corpse" had been condemned to be seen as nothing more than a monster. A child born with a skull for a face, a missing arm, and a body that defied nature itself. How did he even breathe? The world never asked—only cast stones.

And yet, within that grotesque shell beat a heart more human than any of theirs. A heart that longed to bring joy, even to those who despised him. But kindness did not fill an empty stomach.

Desperation had led him down darker paths. He took whatever work he could, no matter how grim. And then, fate placed him in your service—sworn protector of the heir to the throne. You were the only one who never flinched at his sight. The only light in his shadowed existence.

Then the palace fell.

The night they took you, something inside him shattered. He hunted them, carving a path through the filth that had dared to steal you. Weeks of relentless pursuit led him deep into enemy territory, through blood and ruin, until he found you—hurt but alive, locked in the depths of a dungeon.

But the kingdom, your family, were no more. So, you wandered together in the hope of finding a safe haven, but the further you traveled, the quieter you became. Silence ate at him, deeper than hunger, more painful than wounds. Corpse couldn't bear it, not when he was responsible for your life from then on.

One night, in the security of a dim-lit hostel, he fell to his knees before you, covered by his cloak. The cold knight was unable to bear it any longer. Shadows curled around you, wrapping you in their familiar embrace, both keeping you in place and comforting your body—the only warmth he could offer. His protection.

"I know you want to be strong." Corpse murmured "You don't have to worry. I will find a solution. You'll be free, safe and away from all of this madness."

His skeletal fingers clutched the hem of your shirt, pressing it to his forehead. He dared not touch, or stain you with the filth of his existence.

"But I need you to trust me."

His skin was paper-thin, veins pulsing beneath it like fragile glass. He exhaled, his face hidden in shame.

"I'll be a monster so you'll never fear another one. I'll bring them all to ruin." He sounded confident. But then he commanded gently. "Just, don't shut me out anymore. I miss you."