A/N:
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Every inch of the silk gown clings to Ravenna's body like it was spun for her alone. The dark fabric of the skirt, embroidered with golden threads, flows elegantly up to the low-cut neckline. It's clear that Dream has a sense of fashion that transcends mortal standards, and Ravenna can't help but appreciate the way he's spoiled her with such exquisite attire.

Today is significant-the Endless family reunion and the end of Dream's trial period. It's the day Ravenna will decide whether to bind herself to the Lord of Dreams and Nightmares. The choice, of course, is hers.

She takes a moment to admire the gown before turning to see Dream leaning casually in the doorway, his hands tucked into his pockets. His gaze is soft, free of his usual cocky demeanor.

"How do I look?" Ravenna asks, her voice tinged with nervous anticipation.

Dream steps forward, his steel-blue eyes sweeping over her with intense scrutiny. He reaches out, gently unclipping her hair so it cascades freely down her back. "Perfect," he says simply.

The word resonates in Ravenna's chest. Perfect. It's a term she's never quite associated with herself, yet hearing it from Dream sends a swarm of butterflies fluttering through her stomach.

When they arrive in Death's realm, Ravenna is greeted by a striking woman with dark skin, dressed in a black tank top and slim jeans. A silver ankh hangs from her neck. She wraps Dream in a warm embrace, which he returns with a genuine smile.

"It's good to see you, my little brother," Death says affectionately. Then she pulls back, her eyes landing on Ravenna with an inviting smile. "And this must be the light of your life."

"This is Ravenna Edwards," Dream introduces her with an edge of pride in his voice.

"Oh, how lovely to finally meet you!" Death pulls Ravenna into a tight hug, her embrace almost overwhelming. "My brother has been keeping you all to himself."

"It's nice to meet you too," Ravenna laughs, managing to wrap her arms around Death. "And yes, Morpheus can be quite the prick sometimes."

Death chuckles, loosening her hold and turning to Dream with a playful glint in her eye. "I like her."

Dream rolls his eyes at his sister's comment but can't suppress a smile. He places a hand gently on Ravenna's lower back, guiding her into the dining room. It's understated, not ostentatious, but there's something intriguingly unique about its simplicity.

Destruction greets her with an exuberant hug, while Delirium's tiny hands wrap around her with enthusiastic energy. Destiny offers a solemn nod, and Dream introduces her to Despair-a pale woman with disheveled grey clothes and eyes as lifeless as her demeanor.

As the dinner proceeds, the servants serve the food, though Desire is conspicuously absent.

Dream checks on Ravenna periodically, ensuring she's comfortable amidst his siblings. His eyes often flicker with a smile, admiring her ease and grace in the unusual setting.

After finishing her meal, Ravenna excuses herself for a brief respite. She checks her makeup and adjusts her gown before heading back to the dining room, only to encounter an unfamiliar figure clad in extravagant attire.

Golden eyes and a mischievous smirk-Desire. Ravenna's irritation flares.

"Just my luck," she mutters under her breath.

"Ah, Ravenna, my dear. What a pleasure to finally meet you," Desire says, their bright red lips curling into a grin.

Ravenna's annoyance sharpens. "Why do a bloody wanker like you feel it necessary to be just so condescending? There's nothing special about you."

"One's rationality can never win against their desires as per desire is all above," Desire leans against the wall, their gaze lazy. "You and Dream are never meant for each other, my dearie."

"Your opinion doesn't matter to anyone." Ravenna says and doesn't think twice to take the chance to get away from the beautiful, yet wicked creature.

"It is truly tragic. Thea Edwards. Your mother's heart was pure. Just like yours." Desire's mention of her mother halts Ravenna in an abrupt stop, causing a grin spread on the white blonde-haired Endless's face. "I take that Dream still hasn't told you the truth about the mystery behind your mother's death."

Their words tighten Ravenna's lungs and cut off the flow of oxygen until she grows lightheaded while a cold sweat breaks out over her body. She turns to face them. "Well, you're obviously dying to. So why don't you just go ahead? The floor is yours."

Desire stands still, adjusting their admirable fancy suit. "Your mother died and my big brother was the one with her at that time. Finding anything suspicious?"

Ravenna narrows her eyes at them. "You're saying that Morpheus was involved?"

"You said it. What do you think? Is it a coincidence? Or perhaps it can be his doing? I hold the power to see through one's desire and my brother's desire is you. To make you his. Your mind, your soul and your body." Desire says, gently pushing a wave of her curly hair behind her ear. "And he will do anything. Even if it is to eliminate every barrier one by one that will keep you holding back from making you his."

Ravenna sniffles as the ache behind her eyes intensifies until a stray tear slips down her cheek. She wipes it away angrily and more moisture gathers behind her eyes. "Are you done?"

Desire steps back, taking the look of the broken woman in front of them with fake concern written all over their face. "I do hope you find closure."

"Fuck off." Ravenna glares at them and stomps away, leaving the cruel creature alone in the hallway to their amusement.

Once Ravenna joins back right next to Dream on the table, her mind is occupied by Desire's words and it is starting to give her a massive headache as she is no longer with an appetite for the delicious looking dessert placed in front of her.

"I do hope I am not too late for the desserts, my dearest siblings." Desire enters the dining room with a smile and faces the mortal. "And lovely Ravenna-"

"Desire, enough." Dream warns with a glare which Desire simply shrugs off, but makes no comment as they join right next to Despair.

Ravenna is still lost in truth and lies as she lets her eyes drift up to examine the Endless siblings one by one to shake her thoughts on Desire's reveal.

Desire is still smirking all the way as their twin, Despair stares at Ravenna with a hunting smile tugging her lips.

Destiny is nervously picking on his dessert with his spoon as he knows where this is leading. Of course, he knows. He knows everything.

Death however sends her a warmest smile before taking a sip from her wine as she is yet to touch her dessert plate whilst Delirium is busy feeding her latest experience on Destruction about how she managed to invent another strange ice cream flavour, which Ravenna doesn't bother to give her attention any more.

"You all right, my love?" Dream questions her, noticing her stiff body. His voice itself snaps her out of this madness and she pushes back her chair, too aggravated to sit any longer. Pin drop silence falls upon, adding more weight to the arising tension of the room.

"What happened to my mother?" The question slips out before she can think it through, and she regrets it instantly. But she decides to push further, desperately wanting to know the truth. "I'm talking to you, Morpheus. Did you kill Thea Edwards?"

Dream stands there staring at her not knowing what to say or do. He gulps before trying to touch her but instead, she pushes his hand away and steps back with six pairs of eyes burning into them. "My love, listen to me-"

"Did you or did you not?"

"I did."

Ravenna looks at him with sadness all over her teary gaze. Disappointment and loathe are the only emotions she is feeling at the time. "You murdered my mother so you can play hero and catch me in your arms when I fall apart? Well played, Morpheus. Well played."

He again tries grabbing her arms but she steps back shrugging his touch away. His eyes start shedding tears and nausea settling in his stomach when she shoots him a disgusted look making him visibly flinch with how much hatred she is throwing at him. "Did you ever love me?"

"It doesn't matter now."

"You vouched for it. Not to leave me."

"Guess we both are liars." Ravenna chuckles dryly. She slightly shakes her head, her chest aching. "There is no place for us together anymore."

A shudder ripple through his body, and hurt slashes across his face, so raw and visceral it cut through her soul. The emotion wipes clean from his eyes until she is staring at steel walls, harder and guarded. His arms are pinned to his side's but his hands slowly curling into fists.

"If that is what you prefer, you shall not see me again." He says in a cold, controlled voice, tendons in his neck stretches taut and a tiny tremble can be detected in his shoulders.

He stands and walks to the exit without looking back. The door slams behind him, causing her to jump. Death rushes after him in no more than a matter of seconds with a worried expression plastered on her beautiful face.

Desire shakes their head with fake sympathy muttering 'poor thing' only to gain a dead glare from Destruction before all the remaining siblings except Destruction hurry out of the room where Destiny is the last to leave informing the redheaded Endless to escort the mortal back to her home safely.

Ravenna blinks, hoping it will wake her up from this nightmare. It doesn't. The next second, she crumples, her knees giving out beneath her as she sinks onto the floor and hot tears scalds her cheeks and drips off her chin. Her chest heaves so hard to the point she no longer can draw enough oxygen into her lungs. That is when two arms wrap around her small body with warmth spreading into her. "I lost him."

"I'm so sorry." Destruction says with a sad voice, not being able to do anything but watch her sobs are wreaking her body.

Later that night, all Ravenna wants is to sleep the night away, but she manages to take a quick shower before climbing into bed. Her movements are stiff and mechanical, like she isn't truly there. She wishes she isn't. Despite the exhaustion pulling at her eyes, she cannot fall asleep, so she just stares at the ceiling and listens to the silence.

Maybe it was her imagination, but a whiff of Dream's scent from the last time he slept over lingers taunting her senses. If she closes her eyes, she can almost pretend he is there, his face burying in her neck and his strong body cradling hers.

Something warm and wet trickles down her cheek. Its saltiness teases her lips, and Ravenna realises she is crying again. Unlike her earlier sobs, these tears doesn't make a sound. They are quiet screams trapped in her chest, burrowing into her bones and suffocating her. She doesn't bother wiping them away. She just lay there, staring into the darkness and letting it eat her alive.