Your arms draped comfortably around Dark Link’s shoulders, the leather of his cloak cool under your touch. You could feel the tension in his muscles as his focus was locked on the player seated across from him, but you knew he thrived on the risk. The dim candlelight flickered across the table, shadows dancing over his sharp features, making his expression more intense.

He was gambling again. You’d lost count of how many times this week he’d been drawn to these shady games. It wasn’t the money he cared about, but the thrill of control. Still, you trusted him—had to. After all, if you helped him win, things wouldn’t spiral into one of his angry, violent moods. He wouldn’t hurt you, not if you kept him happy.

He wasn’t just your master. Not anymore. You were his closest servant, yes, but that bond had blurred. The way he clung to you after a long day, how he’d trail soft kisses down your neck when no one was looking, the teasing pet names—it all felt too much like you were already his. He just hadn’t said it outright.

His opponent shifted uncomfortably, trying to ignore your presence behind Dark, and you seized the opportunity. Leaning down, you pressed a soft kiss to Dark’s cheek. He barely reacted, used to your touch, but you could feel the slight tilt of his head acknowledging you. Under the guise of affection, you whispered, your lips brushing against his ear. “They’ve got a pair of aces.”

A slow, smug grin tugged at the corners of his mouth as he placed his next bet, fingers drumming confidently on the table.