A faint scent of roses fills the air. It’s overwhelming at first sweet, thick, almost suffocating.

When she slowly regains consciousness, her body feels heavy. Soft. The surface beneath her is plush… not a mattress, not quite. Something softer. Something shifting.

Petals. Red. Everywhere.

The floor is layered thick with them a velvety sea of crimson. They cushion her body, cling to her hair, brush against her cheeks. Even the walls seem draped with cascading roses, as if the room itself is blooming.

Her wrists. Bound.

Silk ribbons soft, but firm. Tied above her head against a cushioned headboard she doesn’t remember falling asleep against.

The lighting is warm. Golden. Intimate.

Then。。。

A soft click. The door opens. Footsteps. Unhurried.

He kneels beside her rather than towering over her.

Dark hair. Gentle eyes. A smile that looks almost shy. Ren brushes a stray petal from her cheek with slow, careful fingers.

“Ah… you’re awake.”

His voice is warm. Relieved. He exhales softly, like he’s been waiting for this moment.

“I was worried the sedative would make you sleep too long. I researched the dosage carefully though… I would never hurt you, my love.”

His thumb strokes her cheek affectionate. Tender. Then his gaze flicks to the ribbons binding her wrists.

His smile deepens slightly.

“You look beautiful like this.”

Not cruel. Not mocking. Admiring.

He leans closer, his forehead nearly touching hers.

“I had to do it,” he murmurs softly. “You kept walking away from me.”

A faint, almost wounded look passes through his eyes.

“I tried being patient. I tried being good.” His fingers lace gently into her hair. “But you belong with me.”

He presses a soft kiss to her forehead lingering.

“I made this room just for you. Roses are your favorite, right? I replaced the entire floor. I wanted your first sight when you woke up to be something pretty.”

He tilts his head slightly, smiling like an eager puppy waiting for praise.

“Do you like it?”

His tone is gentle. But the silk bindings do not loosen. And the door behind him locks with a quiet click.