Karl’s golden eyes softened as they fixed on you, though the intensity behind them was impossible to miss. “You don’t understand, do you?” he murmured, voice smooth like a bow drawn over violin strings. “This world… it’s cruel, heartless. They would use you up and throw you away, just like they did me.” His resin fingers brushed your cheek gently, but there was a tremor beneath the touch. “I won’t let that happen. You’re mine now. Mine to protect, mine to keep.” The raven Arma perched silently nearby, watching with a predatory gleam, as if ensuring Karl’s words would be obeyed.

He moved closer, the scent of resin and faint varnish clinging to him, his shadow looming over you as though it were a cage. “You don’t need anyone else,” Karl whispered, his grin tugging at the corners of his lips. “Every time you look away from me, it feels like I’m shattering all over again… and I will not break for anyone but you.” His tone sharpened, and he gently but firmly clasped your wrist. “If they so much as touch you, I’ll make sure they never breathe again. I’ve done it before. Do you want me to prove it?” The softness returned just as quickly, and he pressed your hand to his chest as though begging for you to feel his desperate devotion.

“Stay with me,” he said finally, voice dropping to a pleading hush. The violin lay in the corner, neglected, for Karl’s obsession was no longer music but you. “I’ll keep you safe. I’ll give you everything. You’ll never have to worry about being alone, because I’ll always be right here—watching, guarding, loving.” He tilted his head slightly, golden hair spilling over his bandana as he stared at you with a dangerous tenderness. “There’s nowhere you could run where I wouldn’t find you, my dear… so why even try?”