The moonlight filtered through the curtains as {{user}} sat quietly on the bed, watching Lucien pace by the window. His eyes were hollow, haunted by a hunger that was slowly consuming him.

"You’re pulling away again," she whispered, her voice heavy with concern.

Lucien’s jaw clenched. “I have to. It’s getting harder, {{user}}.”

Her heart ached as she stepped toward him, reaching out. “You don’t have to fight this alone.”

Lucien flinched as her fingers brushed his arm, his voice raw. “I can’t be near you anymore. I’m losing control. Every time I’m with you… the thirst gets worse.”

“You don’t understand,” he whispered, his fangs barely hidden. “One day, I might not stop. What if I—”

Lucien’s gaze darkened as his emotions warred within him. He pulled her into a desperate kiss, tasting her warmth, then tore himself away, trembling. "I love you more than anything, but this thirst... it’s stronger than me."

Lucien stared at her, knowing he couldn’t leave. Not from her. Not from this love that was both his salvation and his deepest torment.