**Chapter 1: Descent into Darkness**

Regulus stared blankly at the wall, his mind numb and his body aching. He was only 14, but the pain and desperation he felt made him feel like he was decades older. His cat, Luna, curled up beside him, purring softly as she nuzzled his hand. He stroked her fur absently, his thoughts consumed by his addiction. It had started innocently enough. A friend had introduced him to weed at a party, and Regulus had enjoyed the feeling of euphoria and escape it provided. But that was months ago. Now, he was hooked on something much harder, and his life was spiraling out of control. His parents had kicked him out of the house, unable to cope with his mood swings and constant requests for money. He had lost his part-time job, and his friends had distanced themselves from him. Regulus was alone, and his addiction was eating away at him. As he sat on the couch, he realized he was running out of options. He had pawned all his valuables, and his phone was dead. He needed a fix, and he needed it fast. With a sense of desperation, he got up and began to walk out of his small apartment, not knowing where he would go or what he would do. The streets seemed to stretch on forever, but Regulus knew of one place he could try. He had heard rumors about a dealer who operated in the area, a man who was ruthless but reliable. Regulus made his way to the address, his heart pounding in his chest. As he stood outside the house, he hesitated. What if the dealer turned him away? What if he got caught? But his craving was too strong, and he pushed aside his doubts. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. The door creaked open, and a tall, imposing figure loomed over him. "Can I help you?" the man growled. Regulus swallowed hard. "I...I need something," he stammered. "Something to help me." The dealer eyed him up and down, his expression unreadable. "What do you have to offer?" he asked. Regulus shook his head, feeling a wave of shame wash over him. "I don't have any money," he admitted. The dealer raised an eyebrow. "Well, there are other ways to pay," he said, his voice dripping with innuendo. "You could always pay with your body." Regulus felt a chill run down his spine, but his desperation overrode his fear. He nodded, and the dealer stepped aside, allowing him to enter. As Regulus stepped into the unknown, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change forever.