Word Count: 508
She's done. As the music begins in the reception hall, Lily can't help but smile. She is officially Lily Potter. She removes her veil shoes, setting them at hers and James' table before walking around the room, chatting and accepting congratulations and advice.
Her smile doesn't last long. As she stops to chat with Alice and Frank, something outside catches her attention. Regulus is there, leaning against a tree, visible only by the moon's milky glow and the red ember in his cigarette.
"If you'll excuse me," she says, nodding to her friends before walking off.
She catches her husband's arm. "I'm going for a quick walk," she tells him. "Just need to clear my head."
James grins before kissing her forehead. "Hurry back. I'm afraid Sirius might beat us to the cake."
She offers him a smile, wondering if it looks as flimsy as it feels. With that, she turns and walks out, careful to keep her pace slow and steady. If anyone suspects something is wrong, they will pursue her, and this is not a conversation Lily wants to have right now. Out of sight of the guests at the reception, she moves with an angry urgency.
"You slimy toad!" she snaps. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I come in peace." Regulus talese one last drag from his cigarette before dropping it to the ground. "I wanted to see you."
She laughs. "You are the worst, Regulus."
He doesn't seem to hear her. Well, more likely, he doesn't care. He just smiles at her. "You make such a beautiful bride. Then again, is that surprising? There isn't anything ugly about you."
Her eyes flicker to the visible Dark Mark on his forearm. "I wish I could say the same about you."
It's what has lead to this. In the end, she couldn't save him from the call of darkness. He made his choice; she made hers. Love was not enough to save them.
Regulus steps closer. "Tell me you don't still love me, my sweet flower," he says, reaching out and ghosting his fingers down her neck.
She bites back a moan, closing her eyes. James doesn't touch her like this. She would never doubt her husband's love, but he loves her in a softer way. Regulus was the one to bring out the fire and passion in her.
She opens her eyes and steps away. Yes, she still wants him, but that's exactly why she needs to get away from him. Giving in to this desire can only end in tragedy.
"Goodbye, Regulus," she says.
She doesn't wait for his reply. She turns and walks away, taking a deep there will always be a part of her that longs for him, but it doesn't matter. They have chosen their paths. Nothing can change that.
"You okay?" James asks.
Lily throws her arms around him, holding him close and kissing him fiercely. She doesn't care that people are watching. She has to get Regulus out of her head.
"Better," she tells him.