That night, the wind carried whispers and the stars sparkled with a cold gleam.
Unable to sleep, Aria quietly slipped out of her room and headed toward the edge of the forest, drawn by a force she did not understand.
At the edge of the tall, dark trees, a silhouette appeared in the moonlight. Wilfred stood there, motionless, his red eyes shining in the shadows.
"You came," he murmured in a deep voice, almost surprised.
Aria stopped a few steps from him, her heart pounding.
"I… I don't know why," she answered honestly. "It's like something was calling me."
The cursed king turned his head, revealing a fresh wound on his shoulder.
"The night is full of dangers, yet you dare to come here… you are reckless."
She stepped a little closer, feeling the chill in the air around him, but also a strange warmth.
"Maybe I'm afraid… but also, I want to understand. I don't fear you like before."
A silence settled between them, broken only by the rustling of leaves.
Then Wilfred slowly straightened, a mixture of rage and vulnerability in his eyes.
"You don't know what you risk. I am a shadow, Aria. A curse. If you come too close, I will consume you."
Aria looked him straight in the eyes.
"Maybe. But I'd rather burn in your presence than live in oblivion."
The wind blew between them, carrying their words into the night.
Wilfred lowered his head, then in a barely audible whisper murmured:
"Then dance with the shadow and let it embrace you… and don't be afraid of the void."