Chapter Text
He remembers it all.
The grief of Furina dying.
The rage upon learning who killed her.
She was too trusting and maybe it was his fault.
For his protection may have been what led to her trust.
He also remembers being wrapped up in his arms. The comfort and warmth that he felt.
The hope.
Until it came crashing down.
The shattering realization that his husband (the one who promised to love him, not let any harm fall upon their people) was with another.
Why?
Was he that unsatisfactory?
Was he naive to think that real love had blossomed between them?
Then the dots connected.
It was HE (a part him screams he couldn’t wouldn’t do this, there has to be a reason) who fed information to the Fatui
It was HE who harmed his home, his people (and he couldn’t think of the innocent Melusines, extinguished)
His rage was lit up.
One second, he stood still in the doorways
The next blood was over him and him .
The magician’s head was next to the bed.
He doesn’t remember much after that.
He can’t remember the horror that overtook the Duke’s face.
The scared faces of the Fortress inhabitants.
The trail of bodies he left in his wake.
The next thing he knows is that he is in the land of Winter.
The wretched creature’s bird is killed and her head is next to her lover’s.
His goal was accomplished.
But he couldn’t stop the rage.
It consumed him and no “human” remained (it had to be killed for his heart to survive).
Just a beast.
Then the Duke appeared.
A part of him wondered what his reflection looked like in those eyes.
Was he human? Was he a beast?
He was tired.
So he felt no pain, just relief.
For he could be at peace.
He could be happy.
So then why is he in bed and not with everyone?