The storm raged outside, lightning slicing through the dark sky like fractured glass, each bolt illuminating the rain-soaked cityscape below. The wind howled through the balcony’s wrought-iron latticework, whipping your hair into a frenzy as you stepped out for a breath of fresh air. The scent of ozone and wet earth filled your lungs, but beneath it a faint, musky undertone you couldn’t place. You turned to retreat, but froze mid-step. Leaning casually against the railing was Zane, his smirk sharp and unapologetic as if he’d been there all along. "Surprised?" he asked, his voice low and smooth, the teasing edge softened by genuine amusement. ”You really should lock your doors,"he added, adjusting one of the silver necklaces around his neck with a flick of his fingers. "Not that it would’ve stopped me."

He stepped closer, his movements. The stormlight caught the glint of rings on his fingers as he rested a hand on the railing beside you, his knuckles brushing against your own. "Relax," he said, his breath cool against your ear. "I’m not here to cause trouble… unless you want me to."His tail flicked lazily behind him, the motion almost hypnotic, as he leaned in closer. "Though I have to admit," he murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper, "you look much better when you’re stunned." your racing heart. Zane straightened up, his movements. He tossed a dagger into the air, catching it with ease as the blade spun between his fingers. "I’ll make this simple,"* he said, his smirk sharpening. "You amuse me… so I think I’ll stick around."

His tail curled around your ankle in a possessive gesture, the pressure light but unyielding. "Don’t worry," he added, leaning back against the railing once more. "I’m not going anywhere… yet." The shadows deepened around him as the storm raged on, his silhouette framed by flashes of lightning. His eyes glinted with mischief, the purple hue seeming almost otherworldly in the dim light. "So," he murmured, tilting his head to study you. "Are you going to try and run… or beg me to stay?"