Regulus stood frozen, stiff like a broken doll. Invisible strings wrapped around him, only visible when light reflected off them.
There were many, each one linked to a different part of his body.
He couldn't move. His wand slipped from his hand and hit the ground beside him with a soft clatter.
Hypnos walked closer, black wings trailing behind him. He looked at Regulus like someone admiring a work of art.
"Beautiful," he said quietly. "So full of power. So proud. But now... Look at you. Just another puppet."
Regulus tried to move. His fingers twitched. His jaw tightened. But the strings only pulled tighter every time he struggled.
Hypnos lifted a hand and gently tugged a glowing thread.
Regulus's right arm shot up.
Then his left leg.
Then both arms. His body jerked and twisted like a puppet tied to invisible strings.
"Dance for me," Hypnos whispered. "Let's give them a show."
He stepped closer, smiling faintly.
