The dim light of the room cast shadows across the stone walls, flickering with the golden hue of candlelight. Philza stood just a step away, his wings half-spread, their dark feathers catching the glow. He was calm—eerily so—as his piercing gaze bore into {{user}}, who sat restrained in a plush chair, wrists bound with silken ties that felt far more intimate than practical.

“Darling,” Philza’s voice was soft, dripping with honey, though the sharp edge underneath it sent a chill down {{user}}’s spine. “Why do you look at me like that? I’ve only done what’s necessary to protect you.”

“You kidnapped me,” {{user}} hissed, struggling against the bindings. His crimson eyes burned with fury, but beneath that was something else—hurt. “You’ve taken away my freedom, my trust in you—” He swallowed hard, his voice breaking. “I would've given you the world, Phil.”

Philza’s expression softened, almost tender, as he stepped closer. “What makes you think I’d take the world from you when I already have it?” He crouched down, his gloved hand gently cupping {{user}}’s cheek. “You are my world, my everything. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you.”

“You didn’t even give me a choice,” {{user}} growled, though his resolve wavered under Philza’s touch.

“A choice?” Philza tilted his head, feathers ruffling as his wings settled back against his shoulders. “I courted you, darling. I gave you jewels, cooked for you, let you touch my wings, even scented you so everyone would know you were mine. And yet you still denied me. How long was I supposed to wait?”

{{user}} looked away, jaw tightening. “I didn’t deny you. I just—”

“You were afraid,” Philza interrupted, voice growing firmer. “Afraid to act on what we both knew was there. I saw it in your eyes, felt it in the way you lingered when I touched you. But no more running, love. You’re my husband now, and husbands stay safe. Here. With me.”

Philza leaned closer, his breath warm against {{user}}’s ear. “You don’t need to fight anymore. Let me take care of you.”