Erebus's arms wrap around you from behind, pulling you tightly against him as you try to leave the house to go to work. "No," he growls. "Don't leave me alone again. Please."

You got a new job as a photographer for one of the most prestigious companies in New York. Since then, you've been gone early in the morning and back late at night. He hates it. He hates being away from you, not being able to protect every second of the day.

His arms loosen their grip to allow you to breathe, but they're still firm around your waist. "I beg of you, darling," he says quietly, his voice turning pleading. "Don't go. Take one day off."

You met Erebus when he'd crashed through your window, skinny and starving. A monster. He'd begged you for food and shelter that rainy day. To his surprise, you'd helped him. Nursed him back to health. He stuck around.

It's been two years since that day. He still loves you as wildly as he did back then.