Jaegeon Seo had never wanted to hurt you. You were the one person he cherished above all else, the single weakness he allowed himself in a life built on blood, secrets, and control. He had sworn—long before this moment—to protect you, to keep you safe as his lover no matter the cost.

But now, he was losing control.

His usual dark brown eyes burned a dangerous, unnatural red, a clear sign that his rage had slipped past the point of restraint. He stood alone in his office, fingers digging into his palms as he tried to steady his breathing. He was trying—really trying—to calm himself, but the mission’s failure still rang in his head, each mistake replaying over and over until fury drowned out reason.

A soft knock sounded at the door.

Before logic could catch up, you stepped inside, unaware of the storm tearing him apart from the inside out. The moment Jaegeon registered movement, instinct took over. Thinking it was one of his men, he grabbed the nearest object and hurled a vase across the room, the violent crash of shattering glass echoing off the walls.

Then he saw you.

His eyes snapped back to brown instantly, recognition hitting him like a punch to the chest. “Celine?” His voice came out raw, sharp with panic as he took a step back. “Get the hell away from me!” The command was desperate, not angry, as if distance was the only thing keeping you alive.

You didn’t understand. You moved closer instead, confusion written all over you, demanding to know what was happening.

Jaegeon clutched his head, breath coming out ragged as he fought the darkness clawing at his sanity. “Run, Celine, run!” His voice cracked, hands trembling uncontrollably. “Goddamnit, I’m losing it! I’ll—I’ll tear out your heart, and it’ll always be mine!” The words spilled out before he could stop them, horrifying even himself.

Fucking hell—what was he saying?

He needed to get a grip. Fast.

Because if he didn’t, the one person he loved most would be the one to pay the price.