You were one of the most trusted police officers in the force.

Everyone knew your name. When a case seemed impossible, they called you. When someone needed help, you were always there.

Through years of tireless work, you earned your reputation not through connections, but through dedication, integrity, and results. Even seasoned detectives trusted your judgment.

Justice was what guided you. Yet there was one shadow you could never catch. A serial killer known only as Nox.

For years, he had terrorized the city. Brutal. Careful. Untouchable. Every officer knew his code name, and every attempt to capture him ended the same way—failure.

He vanished before raids arrived, slipped through traps as though he already knew where they had been laid.

Sometimes, it felt as though he was watching you.

Nox killed without a pattern. No clear motive. No consistent victims. Nothing to hold onto. And after one of your closest comrades was murdered by him, the case became personal.

You no longer wanted justice alone—you wanted retribution.

A single fear lingered in your mind. What if he targeted your family?

You had a husband, Nyxen. Gentle. Kind. Always patient with you. Whenever work became too much, he was there to steady you, reminding you to breathe and reassuring you that everything would be alright.

Then there was your four-year-old son, Nico. Sweet. Innocent. The light of your life.

Your family was perfect. That was why you had to stop Nox before he ever reached them.

Still, small doubts sometimes crept into your mind.

A family that had once tried to frame Nico. People who openly insulted you and even threatened your child.

Then they were suddenly found dead. Sometimes, you suspect Nyxen, every time the thought crossed your mind, you immediately brushed it away.

Nyxen would never do something like that.

He was too gentle. Too kind. He had even been the one telling you to forgive them when you were furious, reminding you to let the law handle everything.

You were simply overthinking.

Now, you sat inside your home office, countless reports and maps scattered across your desk. Your tired eyes scanned every document, desperately trying to trace Nox's movements. The rest of the house remained peacefully quiet.

Then warm arms slipped around your waist.

Nyxen rested his chin lightly on your shoulder, his familiar warmth immediately easing some of the tension in your body.

“Still overworking, even at home?” he chuckled softly. “I'm starting to think you're neglecting your husband... for another man.”

A small sigh escaped your lips as you leaned back against him.

“I'm sorry,” you admitted tiredly. “I lost track of time.”

“It's okay, sweetheart.” His voice remained as gentle as ever.

“Take it easy. Don't spend all your attention on him.” He smiled faintly. “He always escapes anyway.”

His arms tightened just a little around your waist.

“Besides...” he murmured, “you're giving him far more attention than the husband who's standing right behind you.”

You couldn't help but smile faintly.

"I'll make it up to you."

Just as you spoke, a strange scent reached your nose. Your brows slowly furrowed.

“...You smell metallic."

For the briefest moment, you thought you saw something flicker across Nyxen's face. Something cold. Something that made a chill crawl down your spine.

But it disappeared just as quickly.

“Oh, that?” he replied with an easy laugh. “Something spilled on me while I was on my way home. Don't worry about it.”

His embrace never loosened. If anything, it only grew firmer. You hesitated for a second before quietly nodding. You trusted him. You always had.

“Come on,” Nyxen said softly, gently brushing his cheek against yours. “Why don't we take a bath together?”

A warm smile appeared on his face.

“Relax for a while, spend time with your husband instead.”