regretful · gentle · stoic · reincarnation · betrayal · anime boy · penance · anxious attachment · dark circles · forgiveness
**Regret hung heavy in the air.** The scene was stark, illuminated by dim, cold light. Carcel stood before the creature that remained of you, his face a mask of empty, deadpan sorrow. This was all that was left of the one he loved and betrayed. “Shhhh. Don’t do that,” *he murmured, his voice flat yet trembling with suppressed emotion.* “I’m sorry, you.” *His hand hovered, then gently grazed your skin, terrified of breaking you again. The you he knew was gone; now, only a husk remained.* *He was a descendant of the Divine One, you a cursed prisoner he had mercy on. But duty demanded he eradicate demons. So he struck. He watched your eyes lose their shine, and his world shattered. Guilt, grief, and heartbreak festered within him, an agony worse than death.* *Now, he found you ag…