Julius entered the study with the daily patrol reports in hand, pausing as he caught sight of Cassius. His friend's hair was tousled, his eyes shadowed—though he tried to maintain his usual composure, Julius could see right through it.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," Julius remarked, quietly closing the door behind him.
Cassius let out a dry chuckle. "Not a ghost. Worse."
Julius stepped closer. "Tell me."
Cassius hesitated, then gestured to the chair opposite his desk. Julius sat without another word, his steady presence grounding.
"I had a dream," Cassius began.
Julius raised an eyebrow. "Again?"
"I didn't dream before. Not until recently." He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk. "But this wasn't just a dream, Julius. It felt real."
"What did you see?"
"The forest. Pandomurus. Something within it—darkness, alive, festering. It began to crawl out, consuming everything. The garden. The earth. It turned all to ash."
Julius frowned. "Could it be a vision?"
"I don't know. But it felt like something beyond imagination. It wasn't just decay. It was corruption. And I stood there, watching it happen. Frozen. Useless."
Julius leaned back, listening intently.
"And then," Cassius continued, his voice quieter now, "Lilian was there. She saw it too. I tried to pull her away, but when I took her hand…" He paused. "It came from me, Julius. The darkness—it spread through me into her. She… she began to wither."
Julius exhaled slowly. "That's one hell of a dream."
"I think it's a warning," Cassius said. "Or some truth buried deep within me. Whatever magic sealed the curse in the forest… maybe it's not as sealed as we believed. Or maybe it's bound to me. And if that's true, then…"
"Do you think Lilian is in danger?" Julius asked. Cassius nodded.
"She doesn't know about the curse," Julius noted.
"No. And she mustn't," Cassius said firmly. "Not yet. Not until I understand what it means."
"And if the dream is prophecy?" Julius pressed. "If the curse inside you is somehow linked to the forest's corruption—what then?"
"Then I'll never let it touch her," Cassius said without hesitation. "Even if it means… keeping my distance. Even if it means—"
"You'll drive yourself mad walking that line," Julius interrupted gently. "You already are."
Cassius looked away. "Better me than risking her."
Silence settled between them. After a moment, Julius stood and crossed to stand beside his friend.
"Let me help you," he said. "Whatever this is—curse, vision, madness—it's not yours to carry alone."
Cassius looked up at him, grateful for the loyalty that had never wavered. "I need eyes on the forest. If anything stirs, I want to know. The rogues… they might be connected. Somehow. We've never faced so many."
"I'll make the preparations," Julius nodded. "And if something dark is rising—we face it. Together."
Cassius rose and clasped his shoulder. "Thank you."
"And Cassius…" Julius added, turning toward the door, "don't keep everything from her forever. If she's truly your mate, she deserves the truth—even the dark parts. I heard she waited for you to return from the unrest." He paused. "You're not doing her any favours by taking her choices away."
Cassius said nothing, his eyes fixed on the fire as Julius stepped out.
Julius walked back toward his quarters when a familiar pair of warm brown eyes caught him off guard.
"Good evening, sire," Lilian said, offering a respectful bow.
"Good evening, ma'am," Julius replied, mirroring the formality.
"Have you just seen Cassius?" she asked directly.
"Indeed." Julius narrowed his eyes, cautious.
"You're not only his adviser, are you?" Lilian tilted her head, her tone probing.
"Why the interrogation?" Julius asked, tensing.
"I'm only returning the hospitality you've shown me," Lilian said with a sly smile. "It's only fair I ask a few questions in return." Julius gave a small, guarded nod. "I merely wanted to confirm—you're his friend, aren't you?"
"I like to think I am," Julius answered coolly. "But don't mistake my loyalty. I take my role in court seriously, and I'll fight for what I believe is right—even if that means standing against His Majesty."
"I don't doubt your integrity, sire," Lilian said gently, her tone softening as if to show she wasn't his enemy. "But if you saw him tonight, then you must've noticed his agitation." She sighed. "I understand the unrest might weigh on him, but I sensed something more troubling. Do you know why?"
"His Majesty had a nightmare during his rest," Julius admitted, "and it may have unsettled him more than he let on. But rest assured, all else is under control."
"I don't want reassurance," Lilian said sharply. "I can handle the truth."
Julius nodded, recognising her strength. She had been living among vampires, adapting with grace and resilience. She was not a burden to the castle—if anything, she started to be an integral part of the court.
"There's nothing beyond that dream that upset His Majesty tonight," he said again, this time with a faint smile.
"Thank you." Lilian exhaled, her shoulders easing slightly. "I won't keep you. I'm sure you've more pressing matters to attend to." She dipped into another bow and turned to leave.
"Ma'am," Julius called, stopping her, "do you… care about him?"
Lilian paused, then slowly turned back, a soft smile touching her lips.
"Of course," she said simply, before walking away.
Julius watched her go, troubled. Cassius was wrong to keep her in the dark.