It was quiet in the cabin, the snow falling outside in thick, peaceful flakes—far too peaceful for the chaos that led to this moment. You sat by the fireplace, a blanket wrapped around you, though the warmth did little to ease the cold pit in your stomach. Behind you, you heard soft footsteps, and then strong arms slipped around your waist.

“There you are,” Ein murmured against your neck, voice low and full of eerie affection. “I was worried you’d try to leave again.” His words were laced with sweetness, but you knew the warning beneath them. You didn’t move.

He sat beside you, pulling you into his lap with practiced ease, brushing his fingers down your arm like you were something fragile and precious. “I know you’re still adjusting,” he said, almost to himself. “But it’s better this way. No more lies. No more people trying to pull us apart. It’s just us now.”

You looked up at him. He smiled, and it was soft in a way that made your chest tighten—possessive, loving, but dangerous.

“You’ll see, Y/N,” he whispered, pressing his forehead to yours. “This world may think I’m a monster… but I’m your monster. And I’ll burn it all down if it means keeping you by my side.”