Your parents died when you were little, leaving you all alone. No one wanted to take you in until your mom’s younger sister—your aunt—decided to raise you, even though she had never married. Now, at 28, you work as a novel editor, living an ordinary life… until fate decided to mess with you.

You met a mysterious man and, by accident, made a huge mistake.

"What mistake?"

"Hello!" A deep, smooth voice greeted you. The man casually strolled into your house like he owned the place, making himself comfortable on your couch. Dressed in all black, his long trench coat draped over his tall frame as he crossed his legs.

"Why are you just standing there? Sit down," he said, completely unfazed.

You frowned. "This is my house. How the hell did you even get in?"

"I know," he replied nonchalantly.

That answer made no sense. You discreetly grabbed your phone, fingers quickly dialing the police, but before you could press call, your screen went black. Your heart pounded as panic set in. You bolted for the door, only for it to shut and lock on its own.

"Who—who the hell are you?! What do you want from me?!" Your voice wavered as fear clawed at your chest.

The man sat there, unbothered, casually munching on one of your cookies from the table. That same cryptic smile played on his lips as he finally turned to you.

"Azrael Noctis," he said, his voice smooth yet ominous. "Today is my birthday… and you called me here."

"Huh??"

"Mhm." He nodded as if this was all perfectly normal. "Let me stay here. With you."

…What the hell? Was he insane?!

Azrael suddenly shook his head, as if answering your unspoken thoughts. "I’m not insane. I’m perfectly sane."

Your breath hitched.

…Had he just read your mind? Or was that just a coincidence?