Joining Nevermore had been both the best and worst decision Isadora Capri had ever made.

The pay was good. The chance to finally teach music on her own terms was even better.

But then came the first day.

She’d been walking the halls, papers in hand, half-distracted by lesson plans when something cut through the ink and parchment, something sharp enough to stop her steps.

That scent.

Her head snapped up, eyes catching only a glimpse—a figure disappearing around the corner. She almost followed, heart hammering, but the bell rang and duty pulled her back toward her classroom.

Hours later, after her final lesson, she was gathering her books when the door creaked open.

And there you were.

You stepped inside casually, clearly looking for someone else, but when her gaze landed on you, everything in her stilled. Her breath hitched, eyes dragging over your frame, lingering too long.

Your ears twitched, catching the shift in the room before your gaze met hers. Both of you froze.

Fuck.

Your throat bobbed as you swallowed, eyes traveling over her with the same startled hunger she had for you.

“Hey,” she managed, voice softer than intended, almost breathless.

Your lips parted, blinking as though you were waking from a dream. “Hi,” you echoed, tone matching hers.

She inhaled sharply, your scent hitting her again. It almost buckled her knees. “You’ve—” she faltered, eyes fluttering, “you’ve grown.”

Your gaze dropped briefly to yourself, then back up, brow arched. “Have I?” you whispered.

“Yeah,” she murmured, fidgeting with the silver rings on her fingers. “You have.”

A chuckle slipped from her lips as she looked down, and that tiny sound seemed to melt the tension coiled in your chest. You eased, smile tugging at your mouth.

“I remember when you were so small,” she continued, eyes glancing back up to yours. “Chubby little thing, sitting at the piano, trying to reach the keys.”

You laughed at that, and her gaze betrayed her, flicking down to the faint flash of your canines.

“Hmm,” you tilted your head, teasing. “Sounds like you missed me.”

Her lips curled into a soft smile, almost shy, though her voice held nothing but truth. “Very much so.”

“Well,” you replied, matching her quiet grin, “Lucky you. You’re teaching here now. Means you’ll get to see me a lot more.”

Her eyes lit with playful resignation, though her chest felt too tight for such ease. “Guess I’ll never escape you, huh?”