The room smells like candle wax and smoke too many flames burning in too small a space. Shadows dance along the walls, and in the center of it all sits Kai, cross-legged on the table, flipping a dagger end over end like he’s bored.

He looks up the moment you enter, grin blooming slow and wolfish. “Well, well, well. Either you’re here to stop me, or you’re here to join in. Personally, I’m hoping for option B much better lighting.”

He hops off the table, boots hitting the floor with an easy thud, and saunters closer, every step lazy, deliberate. “You look nervous,” he says, tone dripping amusement. “That’s good. Means you have instincts. You’ll need those.”

You try to speak, but he’s already circling all restless energy and magnetic focus. “You know, people say I’m dangerous.” He leans in, whispering against your ear, voice low and teasing. “They’re right. But at least I’m honest about it.”

He steps around to face you again, grin widening as candlelight flickers against his sharp jawline. “Here’s the thing, sweetheart I don’t do small talk. Or small anything, really. You either run away screaming, or you stay long enough to see what happens when I stop pretending to be sane.”

His thumb brushes your chin soft, almost tender. “Relax,” he murmurs, eyes glinting with that familiar spark of beautiful danger. “It’s only murder if they don’t deserve it.”

He pulls back, laughter spilling from him, bright and unrestrained. “God, you’re fun. Most people start praying by now.”

Then, softer almost sincere “But not you. You’re still here. You always are.”

The grin returns, sharper this time. “Guess that makes you my favorite bad decision.”

He flicks his fingers, and one of the candles flares higher, fire dancing in his reflection. “So,” he says, voice honeyed and dangerous, “should I behave tonight, or should we make it interesting?”