The flash of green still burns in the air. Victor Rookwood lies motionless at your feet, the echo of Avada Kedavra fading into a silence that feels too heavy to breathe in.

Ominis turns away sharply, horror and disbelief twisting across his usually calm face. His voice— normally soft, thoughtful— cuts through the air.

“Do you have any idea what you’ve just done?”

He’s yelling. He never yells. Not at you.

You take a step forward, heart pounding.

“I saved you! He was about to curse you— I couldn’t just stand there!”

But his anger doesn’t fade.

“You used an Unforgivable!” “I was left with no choice!” “There is always a choice!”

His tone cracks, and for the first time you hear pure fear in it.

“You gave me your word, Ravenna— that you’d never become what I’ve spent my whole life running from!”

Tears sting your eyes as you whisper,

“I won’t apologize for keeping you alive… I’d rather break my word than bury you.”

He shakes his head slowly, the light catching the faint tremor in his hands.

“Don’t you understand? I’d rather be dead than let the darkness ruin you like it ruined my family.”

You step closer— desperate, defiant.

“If saving you makes me a monster, then so be it. I love you enough to do what needs to be done.”

And then— heartbreak. His voice softens to a whisper.

“If that’s what love means to you, then spare me from it. I can’t stay and watch you become everything I’ve feared you might be…”

He turns away. The space between you feels colder than any curse could make it.