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 k×ller 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 if he already knew where they were laid.

Sometimes it felt as though he was watching you.

Nox killed without pattern. No clear motive. No consistent victims. Nothing to hold onto. And when one of your closest comrades was m×rdered by him, the case became personal. You didn’t just want justice anymore, you wanted retribution.

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

You had a husband, Nyxen. Gentle. Kind. Always patient with you. When work weighed heavily on your shoulders, he was there to steady you, to remind you to breathe.

And then there was your son, Nico. Four years old. 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, doubts crept in sometimes. Small, uncomfortable ones.

A family who had tried to frame Nico. People who openly insulted you, threatened your child. And then, suddenly, they were gone. D×ad.

You shook the thought away every time.

Nyxen would never do something like that. He was too gentle. Too good. He had even been the one urging forgiveness when you were furious, reminding you to stay calm, to let the law handle it.

You were overthinking.

Now, you sat in your home office, papers spread across the desk, eyes burning as you stared at maps and reports, trying to trace Nox’s movements. The house was quiet.

Then warm arms wrapped around your waist. Nyxen’s chin rested on your shoulder, familiar and comforting.

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

You sighed, leaning back slightly into him. “I’m sorry,” you said tiredly. “I lost track of time.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” he murmured. “Take it easy. Don’t focus too much on him. He always escapes anyway.” His tone was gentle. “You’re giving him too much attention when you already have me.”

You were about to agree. Then you noticed the smell. Metallic. Your brow furrowed. “You smell… metallic.”

For just a moment, a single, chilling second, you thought you saw something shift in his expression. Something cold. It sent a shiver down your spine.

But it vanished instantly.

“Oh, that?” he said with an easy smile. “Something spilled on me on the way home. Don’t worry about it.”

He didn’t move away. His arms stayed firm around you. You swallowed and nodded, brushing off the unease. You trusted him. You always had.

“Why don’t we take a bath together?” he suggested softly. “Relax. Spend some quality time.”

(Swipe for his POV)