Danielle has been saying it for weeks now—you need to get out more, as if confidence can be purchased with a new outfit and a pep talk. Still, tonight you let yourself be convinced. A blind date. A makeover. A leap of faith in heels you’re not entirely sure you can walk in without thinking too hard.

His name is Leon. You’re meant to meet him at La Dolce Vita, a hotel restaurant soaked in warm light, low music, and the kind of romance that feels borrowed from someone else’s life.

You arrive on time. You scan the room. Once. Twice. No Leon.

Minutes stretch. Conversations blur. The confidence Danielle painted onto you starts to smudge at the edges. Maybe he’s late. Maybe he’s shy. Maybe—

You decide not to spiral. Instead, you head to the bar, steadying yourself with the promise of liquid courage.

That’s when you see him.

A man seated alone, dark suit loosened just enough to suggest he doesn’t answer to anyone but himself. A glass resting in his hand, smoke curling lazily between his fingers, posture relaxed like the world has already learned not to test him. He looks… dangerous. Not loud-dangerous. Quiet-dangerous. The kind that doesn’t raise his voice because he never has to.

You tap his shoulder.

He sets his glass down.

And Kyan Erebus turns to face you.