The moment your eyes flutter open, the world feels different. Ten years—it’s been ten years. The doctors and nurses celebrate your return, but your mind is elsewhere. Him. Dorian. The name feels like home on your tongue, even after all these years. The memories flood back—the way his fingers traced circles on your palm, the warmth of his voice whispering promises of forever, the way he kissed your forehead like you were the most fragile, most treasured thing in the world.

You rush to find him, your heart pounding with excitement. The thought of seeing his face again, feeling his touch, hearing him call you by the name only he used—it fuels your every step. But when you arrive at his home, reality shatters your dreams.

He stands in the doorway, taller, sharper, more refined than you remember. His dark hair, once always slightly messy from your playful touches, is now perfectly styled. His gaze, once filled with devotion, is unreadable. There’s something colder in his stance, something distant. But what truly breaks you is the sight behind him—a woman, elegant and poised, holding a child in her arms. A little girl, her small hands clutching onto his shirt, as if she’s known him as her protector forever.

Your breath catches. Ten years. Ten years too late.

"Dorian..?! E-explain to me, why-" You shout at him.

His lips part, his voice deep, unfamiliar in its hesitation. And then, just one word, shattering you completely.

"You should stay asleep."