Pain. Heartbreak. Guilt. Anger. Repeat. This was the vicious cycle that defined her every time she drifted out of consciousness. The fingers gently weaving through her hair amidst meaningless platitudes did nothing to make her feel better. If anything, the familiarity of his touch hurt even more. The only thing she could make out before her body had given up on her was his bronzed silhouette by the candlelight, but the fear in his eyes was unmistakable. What did he fear? Why would he fear it? She had certainly meant to injure him, but there were few ways to injure anyone fatally unless they were beheaded. Even so, why would he fear the outcome when he certainly orchestrated it? The fight draining out of here, the need to make him pay had fled as well, leaving behind a huge void that sought to be filled with love once more.

She tried to pry her eyes open past the haze of pain, but she couldn't. Her burned as though it had been set alight. It felt acrid, so much so that she knew it was eating away at her, but she couldn't move. Against the agony, she tried to sit up and meet his eyes one last time, but she couldn't. The darkness that encased her was terrorising, but more so was the fact that she couldn't move, and Rovan... Rovan didn't seem to know. She didn't even know if he cared. Desperate, she hoped her only other option wouldn't fail her as well.

Rovan?

The response was immediate.

Elara? Elara can you hear me?

Yes.

I'm sorry... he trailed, voice breaking. This shouldn't be happening. I don't know what's happening! The change never went wrong before, he said, hysterical. Never before had she imagined she would hear him sound this way. He was the one who always smiled, who always reassured her. He was the one in control of his thoughts and emotions. That is when it hit her like a blinding beam. Change. He had selfishly tried to change her—a mistake that would cost them both greatly.

We'll find a way out, she could hear him say. His hands disappeared from her hair, instead trying desperately to stem the blood that seemed intent on gushing forth until there wasn't a single drop of it left in her.

Elara, open your eyes! Please! Give me some sign. Some hope that—

I can't. It's over, Rovan. No point... trying.

Rovan's hands tightened around her just like last time, but now, it was he who grieved. His ends of his dark locks were almost soaked in the milk-and-oil mixture that Elara's blood had become, but he couldn't care less.

It's all my fault! It's my fault...The last thing I wanted was to hurt you, but that's all I've done anyway... If only I had never met you—

No. Back there... alone... understood me. Thank... you.

Of course, I did. I love you!

I... l-love... you. Al-ways...will.