**The Scar That Broke Everything – Lucian, bleeding from his brow, finally gained the upper hand. With a growl, he unleashed the last of his dark magic, shoving Rowan across the cold stones—straight into Ariana's waiting arms. "You wanted her— Take her." Lucian breathed hard as Rowan crashed beside Ariana. She caught him, steadying his weight. But then his eyes fell to her neck—And he saw it. The scar. Faint. But deep. Twisting around her collarbone. "What… did he do to you?" Rowan whispered. Ariana's voice was soft, shaken. "Rowan… don't—"But it was too late.
**Wrath Unleashed – Rowan stood, hand tightening on his sword. The warmth once in his eyes vanished, replaced by pure fury. "You touched her. You scarred her. You'll bleed for it." He rushed forward, no hesitation, no mercy. His blade slashed deep across Lucian's chest. Lucian cried out, staggered, falling to his knees. "I loved her… I never meant—" Lucian gasped. Rowan snarled back, "Love doesn't look like scars!" He raised his sword for the final blow.
**The Moment After Madness - Lucian lay crumpled on the stone floor, his breath ragged. Blood seeped through his torn tunic. His sword rested untouched beside him. His eyes fluttered half open—but he could not move. Rowan stood panting, sword raised. "This ends now." He stepped forward, fury wild in his eyes. At that time, Ariana screamed, "STOP, ROWAN!!"His blade froze mid-air. He turned, his face shifting from rage to confusion and stunned disbelief."…You're protecting him?" Rowan's voice was low. Ariana stood between them, her voice shaking. "I'm protecting you. From doing something you can't take back." Rowan lowered his sword slightly, breathing hard. His eyes flickered between her face and Lucian's broken body.
**A Tension Beyond Words – Rowan spoke slowly. "You cried in my arms. You begged me to save you from him. And now you're—" Ariana's voice was quiet, distant. "He hurt me. Yes. But he also changed… And I saw it. When he didn't have to. When he couldn't." Rowan stared at her, the fire within him dimming—but not extinguished. "And what about us? What I risked—what I fought—everything I bled for?" Her voice softened, heavy with sorrow. "I never asked you to bleed. But I'm grateful you did. That doesn't mean I want more blood."