A/N:
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Ravenna wanders through the castle, feeling his gaze on her every now and then. Despite the silence that envelops them, his eyes seem to follow her every movement. The absence of words weighs heavier than any spoken reproach.

Lucienne and Ravenna arrive at another wooden door. With a gentle push, Lucienne reveals a room cloaked in shadows-black carpet and dark wooden walls, adorned with hauntingly beautiful paintings.

"Is this to your liking?" Lucienne's voice is soft, expectant.

Ravenna steps inside, her eyes tracing the room's somber elegance. "Yes, it's perfect. Thank you."

Lucienne nods, her expression a mix of sympathy and professionalism. She opens another door, revealing a vast walk-in closet. One side brims with modern attire, while the other showcases a dazzling array of dresses-simple, ornate, and encrusted with jewels. Shoes of every variety line the shelves, and a section dedicated to glittering jewelry completes the ensemble.

"Lord Morpheus prepared all this for you," Lucienne explains. "He hoped the family reunion would be smooth. When it fell apart, he had everything moved here-away from his chambers."

Ravenna's gaze settles on a portrait of her original self. She steps closer, her eyes reflecting a mix of longing and melancholy. "He fell for her. I want to be her."

"You are her, Lady Ravenna," Lucienne reassures gently.

Ravenna looks out the window at the ivy-covered stone wall and the flower garden below, her thoughts drifting. "I want everything to be perfect-the dress, the jewelry, the hair. I need to be flawless."

"Dream Lord designed everything himself. It's all meant to fit you perfectly," Lucienne says, her tone encouraging. "Do you think it will work?"

"I'm here with a single purpose-to win him back," Ravenna replies, determination in her voice. "He's stubborn, but I've broken through his walls before. I'll do it again."

Lucienne's smile reflects admiration. "I'll leave you to get ready. Dinner will be soon."

As Ravenna navigates the hallway, she hears a voice behind her-a bold, mocking tone. "Lost, gorgeous?"

She turns to see a man dressed impeccably, black sunglasses hiding his eyes.

Lucienne appears, her expression disapproving. "Corinthian, leave the lady alone. She's a guest, not a dreamer. Dream Lord will be displeased."

The Corinthian scowls but shrugs. "Right."

Ravenna studies him with a mix of curiosity and judgment. "The Corinthian? The nightmare who preys on eyes?"

"You've heard of me," he says, flashing a charming grin before removing his shades to reveal rows of jagged teeth in place of eyes. "Fantastic."

"I thought the Corinthian was no more," Ravenna says, bewildered.

"Lord Morpheus recreated him-more loyal, less flaws," Lucienne clarifies.

"And more fashionable," the Corinthian adds with a smirk.

Ravenna scoffs and notices the lack of presence of the librarian within her sight of vision. "I see. A handsome bloke with decent clothes."

The nightmare tilts his head with amusement. "Are you flirting with me?"

"Frankly, this is me complaining. I expected something more nightmarish than this from you." She crosses her arms over her chest boldly.

The amusement on the Corinthian's face fades instantly which replaces with irritation. "I can easily pluck those radiant emerald gems of eyes out of you."

"Only if you can defeat me first," Ravenna retorts, stepping closer. "Which you can't."

"I find that hard to believe, given you're just a pretty face," he says, grabbing her arm and pushing her against the wall. He leans in close, his breath hot against her ear. "Fortunate for you, Dream Lord has your back."

"Supernatural and sexist. A true nightmare," Ravenna purrs, then swiftly knees him in the crotch. The Corinthian grunts, dropping to the floor.

"I admire the attitude," he manages between breaths, rising with grudging respect. "Let's call it a truce."

"Fine," Ravenna says, her smirk triumphant. Just then, she feels Dream's presence behind her.

"Corinthian, I believe your work lies with the sleepers and dreamers outside the castle grounds," Dream's voice is calm but firm. "Not within."

"Apologies, master," the Corinthian bows, his gaze lingering on Ravenna with a mixture of mischief and respect. "Until next time, Lady Ravenna."

"You andled him well," Dream says, his eyes fixed on Ravenna. "Come along."

Ravenna follows him into the dining room. The distance he keeps feels like a chasm, the air thick with unspoken tension. As they sit, Dream engages in casual conversation with Lucienne, while Ravenna pushes her food around on her plate, her appetite vanishing.

Lucienne's voice cuts through the silence. "Lady Ravenna, Dream Lord wishes to know your departure plans."

"I'll stay until I'm forgiven and accepted back," Ravenna says defiantly. "I intend to enjoy this place as long as I can."

Dream's gaze remains unyielding. "Lucienne, inform our guest that the Dreaming isn't meant for mortals. It's not a place for living."

Lucienne hesitates, then relays the message. Ravenna's heart sinks, her hands gripping her fork tightly as she tries to hold back tears. The room's silence is oppressive, charged with the weight of their past.

Dream's voice cuts through her thoughts. "Calliope will soon visit the Dreaming. I'm considering her proposal for marriage. The Dreaming needs an heir. I don't need any obstacles."

Ravenna's face pales, her heart clenched with pain. Tears blur her vision as she struggles to find words, but they elude her.

The clatter of her cutlery on the plate is loud in the stillness. She rises abruptly, mumbling an "Excuse me" before fleeing the room, her sobs echoing down the hall.

Lucienne's gaze meets Dream's, disappointment evident. "You don't hurt the ones you love, my Lord."

"If I loved her, I wouldn't have been driven to this," Dream says, though his tightly clenched fist betrays his composed facade. "Please, escort her back to her home."

"She is home," Lucienne replies quietly before following Ravenna to her chambers. The mortal is curled up on the bed, clutching a pillow, tears streaming down her face.

Lucienne sits beside her. "He doesn't mean any of it."

Ravenna manages a weak smile through her tears. "I hope so."

"This isn't the time to give up. It's time to fight," Lucienne says, offering her a food tray. "You need to eat."

Ravenna accepts the food but is overcome with nausea, rushing to the bathroom to vomit. Lucienne helps her, concern etched on her face.

"Maybe it's the flu," Ravenna murmurs weakly, her strength waning.

"Should I call for the medical staff?" Lucienne offers.

"No, it's just exhaustion. I'll be fine," Ravenna insists.

Once Lucienne leaves, Ravenna changes into a simple nightgown and lights a candle. Determined, she heads to Dream's chambers.

She enters without knocking, her eyes adjusting to the dark, luxurious room. Dream stands on the balcony, his silhouette stark against the moonlight.

"Can I sleep in your bed?" Ravenna's voice is barely above a whisper. When he doesn't respond, she takes his silence as consent and collapses onto the bed, too exhausted to care about his aloofness.

As she settles under the covers, his presence surrounds her-the warmth of his body and the faint scent of his cologne. She drifts into a deep, dreamless sleep, feeling a soft kiss on her hair.

"How am I supposed to pretend I never want to see you again?" His voice is a whisper, the intimacy of his words melting into the darkness as Ravenna's senses embrace the quiet.