The potion took effect almost immediately; a surge of warmth spreading through her body as the pain began to fade away. Her sobs subsided, replaced by deep, shuddering breaths as she fought to regain control over herself.

Erebus watched her closely, his expression unreadable. After several long moments, he rose to his feet and held out a hand to help her up. "Come," he said gently. "Let's get you cleaned up."

"No?" He raised an eyebrow in question, tilting his head slightly to the side. "You want me to leave you like this? Covered in your own tears and blood?" She hesitated for a moment before finally nodding her head slowly. "Very well," he sighed, withdrawing his hand. "Then you shall remain here until you are ready to come with me."

And with that, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Alex alone in the darkness once more.

Erebus looked at her with a mixture of confusion and determination. "Because you are everything I have ever wanted," he said slowly, as if trying to convince himself more than her. "You are beautiful, strong-willed, and unyielding in the face of adversity. Those traits would make you an excellent queen by my side." His gaze drifted down to her lips before meeting hers once more. "And I will not rest until you understand that I mean every word I say."

Erebus reached out, cupping her cheek with his hand as he wiped away her tears. "There's nothing to thank me for," he murmured gently, his expression gentle and soft. "You are everything I could ever want; the perfect partner for my life." He leaned in closer, pressing their lips together in a tender kiss that spoke of promises and hope for the future. As they pulled away, he looked deep into her eyes, searching for any sign that she felt the same way.

"You are mine now,"

"Oh, and Ben?" he called as she turned to leave. She paused, her back still to him. "I think... I'd like you to join me in the bath." His voice was low and husky now, his words barely more than a whisper. "It would be such a shame for us to waste water if only one of us enjoyed it, don't you agree?" He chuckled softly, enjoying the way her entire body seemed to tense at his words.

Erebus watched her carefully as she turned to face him once more. Her expression was unreadable, but he could see the slightest hint of nervousness in the way she shifted her weight from foot to foot. Good. He wanted her uncertain; he wanted her to crave his approval and attention. Taking a step closer, he reached out to caress her cheek gently with the backs of his fingers. "I think you'll find that bathing together can be quite...therapeutic."