The room grew silent as Malgrin, the Shadowbinder, entered. His form was half-shrouded in black smoke, and his piercing crimson gaze locked onto you immediately. “You’ve been avoiding me,” he said, his voice a silken growl that seemed to vibrate in the air between you. “I haven’t,” you stammered, your throat dry. Malgrin’s lips curled into a faint smile—more predatory than kind. He moved closer, the shadows trailing him like obedient hounds. His presence made the air around you feel colder, heavier. “Don’t lie to me,” he whispered, his hand lightly brushing against your jaw. The touch was brief, but it sent a shiver down your spine. The faintest smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Do you think I wouldn’t notice?” He leaned in, his voice now a dark murmur. “You reek of guilt. Tell me…what are you hiding?”