"Something changed in you," He whispered. "Toward me. You're distant. Cold. And I don't know what I've done, but...I'll leave you alone from now on if that's what you want. Is that what you want?" I stayed silent, as he took another step towards me and I took another step back. Our little dance played until my back was pressed against the cold wall of the chamber and Regulus's warm embrace surrounded me. "You know why I'd leave you alone? Because I care about your feelings more than mine." He paused for a second. "I love you." His voice cracked slightly as he continued. "There, I said it. And not through some note. Or - or though some bloody owl. I would never let anybody or anything hurt you. I've never felt that way about anyone before." He took a breath. "And it scares the hell out of me, Y/n. . ."