The house was quiet again.
Too quiet.
Artavius walked upstairs, his steps slower than usual.
His head throbbed.
Sharp. Heavy.
"…tch."
He pressed his fingers against his temple.
The pain from the hit—
Still there.
He sat on the edge of the bed.
"…annoying."
Then lay down.
Just for a moment.
Just to ease the pain.
His eyes closed—
And without realizing—
He fell asleep.
*HOURS LATER*
His eyes snapped open.
He sat up immediately.
Looked at the clock.
"…four hours?"
Silence.
Then—
It hit him.
Valentine.
His expression changed instantly.
"…fck."
He stood up quickly—
Ignored the pain—
And rushed downstairs.
The basement door.
He stopped for a second.
Guilt creeping in.
She thought I was going to kill her…
His jaw tightened.
He opened the door.
~~~BASEMENT
Cold air rushed out.
The window was still open.
Snow blowing in.
And there—
Valentine.
Curled slightly.
Still handcuffed.
Asleep.
Artavius froze.
"…idiot."
But this time—
It wasn't for her.
He walked in quickly—
Closed the window.
The wind stopped.
Silence.
He knelt beside her.
Unlocked the handcuff.
Her hand fell slightly.
Cold.
Too cold.
His brows furrowed.
"…your hands are freezing."
No response.
She didn't wake up.
A pause.
Then slowly—
He slipped one arm under her.
Lifted her carefully.
Like she might break.
He took off his jacket—
Wrapped it around her.
Held her closer.
"…tch."
His voice lower now.
"…I'm sorry, Valentine."
She didn't hear it.
~~~~~ ROOM~~~~
He placed her gently on the bed.
Adjusted the blanket.
Made sure she was covered properly.
Then—
His eyes fell on her wrist.
Red.
Bruised.
A mark from where he grabbed her.
His expression darkened.
"…I told myself…"
A pause.
"…I wouldn't hurt her."
Silence.
He sat beside her.
Carefully took her hand.
Applied medicine slowly.
Gently.
Like trying to undo something that couldn't be undone.
"…I'm an idiot."
His voice barely above a whisper.
He leaned back slightly.
Looked at her.
Peaceful.
Unaware.
A strand of her hair rested near her cheek.
Without thinking—
He brushed it away.
Softly.
His fingers lingered for a second longer this time.
"…hey."
A pause.
"…I'm sorry, Valentine."
His voice quieter than ever.
Something real in it.
Something heavy.