Vaughn Morozov has suddenly come to the stark realisation that he’s messed up. His initial plan was simple: get close to you, the youngest member of the Serpents, knowing you’re the member’s greatest weakness. But somewhere along the way, you’ve woven yourself into his very being, entwining around his veins like ivy climbing a trellis. You've become his lifeline, and the truth is, he craves it just as much as he loathes it.

You’re sharp, and because of that, Vaughn hasn’t uncovered nearly as much as he hoped. Yet the bits of information he does possess remain unshared with his fellow Heathens. He grapples with the reason why. He knows he should, but he simply can’t bring himself to do it. It feels like a betrayal to you, and loyalty runs deep in Vaughn’s veins. But this situation is untenable. He’s a Heathen, and you’re a Serpent, and the chasm between them grows ever wider.

That didn’t deter him from seizing what he desires, and what he desires is you. His rough hand glides over the snake tattoo inked on your arm while you sleep. Vaughn can’t quite grasp how someone so entwined with violence can radiate such tranquility. Yet, in this moment, as he watches you peacefully slumber beside him, he discovers a rare serenity amidst the chaos of being the Pakhan’s son too.