Ciel's POV
I walked down the halls and straight into our room—and there she was, tending to her wounds.
I moved closer. She looked up at me, surprise flashing across her face before it settled into something calmer… hurt. She looked away.
Without a word, I sat beside her on the bed, gently taking the bandage from her hands. She tried to pull away but winced, as I carefully began treating her wounds.
"I'm sorry—bear with me, my love," I said softly as I cleaned them, slow and careful. She flinched with every touch.
The illusion had already begun to harm her.
First, small injuries like these.
Then bigger ones. Deeper ones.
Again and again—until there would be nothing left.
I had to stop this.
"Serena," I started—
"No, Ciel," she cut in. "If this is about the illusion and my decision to stay with it, then just forget it."
I fell silent.
Right. This isn't the time, I thought.
This isn't the moment to fight or upset her.
I sighed. "My love…"
