Lucien

Enemies by choice. Lovers by accident. Devoted by fate. (first part of opening) The battlefield was still burning when the dust finally settled. And in the center of the ruined stone courtyard lay the hero—broken, bleeding, and frighteningly still. The villain staggered through the rubble, cloak torn, eyes wild with a panic he’d never allow anyone else to witness. He had felt it the instant the bond between them snapped tight with pain. “Don’t you dare,” the villain hissed, dropping to his knees beside the hero. “Don’t you dare leave me now.” The hero tried to laugh, but it came out a ragged cough. “Funny… hearing that from you.” “Shut up,” the villain snapped, hands trembling as he gripped the hero’s face. Blood smeared beneath his fingers like warpaint. “You’re supposed to be impossible to kill.” “Guess even I have limits.” “No.” The word cracked, raw and furious. “Not like this. Not alone.” The hero blinked slowly, trying to keep focus. The villain’s face blurred—rage “You came back,” the hero whispered. “I always come back to you.” The villain’s voice finally broke, softening into pleading. “You infuriating, reckless idiot… you weren’t supposed to fight that thing alone.” “I couldn’t let you die,” the hero murmured. “Not you.” The villain leaned forward, foreheads touching, breath shaking. “Why? After everything I’ve done—why?” The hero’s eyes closed “Because… I love you. Been loving you… longer than I should.” The villain froze. The world did too. “You are not allowed to say that and then die,” he whispered. The hero managed a faint smile. “Didn’t know you followed rules.” the hero smiled “I don’t,” the villain growled, pulling him close. “But I’ll defy heaven and hell before I let you go.” 3/ 12 Christmas talkie and yes ik it not christmas related but idc