Cold seeped into the bones of the male leaning against a glass coffin set upon an icy platform. The male's stare was fixated on the female lying on top of a bed of roses: the scent wafted about the person, brought a sense of comfort, and eased some of the pain pricking at his heart.

"Lord, it's been a long time since you've left this place. Isn't it time to let her go?" A concerned voice sounded behind him, and a hand landed on his shoulder. "It's what she would've wanted."

"No!" His voice came out harsher than was intended, and he took a few deep breaths to calm down. "It's almost time... just a bit longer and she'll wake up."

To the other person's ears, it might've sounded delusional and far-fetched. They had heard the same thing from their lord ever since she had fallen into a deep sleep, and it was saddening to see how broken their master had become. The once almighty lord had almost withered away into nothing, and there wasn't anything anyone could do to ease his mind or erase her presence from it.

If only she hadn't regressed into the darkness and allowed the demon within her heart to take over, none of this would've happened.

Honestly, the person felt bitter resentment towards her and hoped that she would forever remain in this state if only to stop their master from tormenting himself further.

It was shortsighted, but from their point of view, they had never loved someone to the point where their entire existence was their only reason for living. Or that when that person disappeared or lost their life, the one left behind would have no clue how they would continue living their own life.

This was the case for the lord, who was now a shadow of his past self.

If only they hadn't allowed their master to meet this cursed woman, or even had they met, they could've stopped the inner demons from taking her over.

Yet, now, what was done was done and there was no turning back. At this thought, the steward felt drowsy and soon slumped to the floor as their eyes closed.

All was quiet in the room, and soon the male sitting against the coffin passed out in the same way the steward had done.

Let it all return... return to the beginning of everything.